Pharmacy Students’ Lived Experiences of Mental Health Support Structures at Rhodes University

Abstract

Student mental health has become an urgent concern in South Africa, particularly within higher education settings, where academic pressure, social stresses, and structural inequalities intersect. Pharmacy students face a distinct set of challenges related to the intensity of their programmes and the expectations associated with professional competence. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of pharmacy students regarding mental health support structures at Rhodes University. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through document analysis of nine institutional texts and semi-structured interviews with twenty undergraduate and postgraduate students. Thematic analysis demonstrated the absence of a formal mental health policy, limited visibility and accessibility of services, and the persistence of cultural and gendered stigma. Peer networks emerged as crucial sources of informal support and resilience. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive, culturally responsive mental health strategy that integrates student well-being into academic and institutional practices.