How universities can support student mental health

Mental health and wellbeing issues on university campuses are on the rise. A recent study shows that the prevalence of student anxiety in higher education institutions has jumped significantly over the last six years. According to the research, university students now face more mental health challenges than ever before, including increased levels of depression, stress, and loneliness. 

The findings indicate that many universities have failed to adequately address these issues among their student body. This is particularly worrying given that poor mental health can have a negative impact on academic performance and impede overall wellbeing. Despite awareness campaigns and initiatives from universities, it appears that not enough is being done to combat this growing problem. 

2020 was a difficult year for many, especially university students. The abrupt transition from physical classrooms to virtual learning brought with it a unique set of challenges that exacerbated pre-existing mental health issues among university students. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the issue of student mental health to the forefront and is being addressed as an urgent priority on campuses around the world. 

The sudden disruptions in academic life have caused dramatic spikes in anxiety and depression among college students. A survey conducted by the American College Health Association (ACHA) reported that over 56% of college students felt overwhelming anxiety, while 63% reported feeling depressed due to their uncertain circumstances during the pandemic. Students are now struggling with issues like social isolation, financial insecurity, and disruption of routines that further contribute to their deteriorating mental wellbeing. According to a recent survey, 60% of students reported that accessing mental health care has become more difficult due to the pandemic.

University students may experience mental health problems for a variety of reasons, including:

• Academic pressure: University students often face high levels of academic pressure, including tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and high expectations from professors and peers.
• Financial stress: Many students struggle with the high cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses, which can lead to financial stress and anxiety.
• Social isolation: University can be a lonely and isolating experience, particularly for students who are living away from home for the first time or who struggle to make friends.
• Transition to adulthood: University students are often going through a major life transition, from adolescence to adulthood, which can be challenging and overwhelming.
• Pre-existing mental health conditions: Many university students may already have pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that are exacerbated by the stressors of university life.
• Lack of access to mental health resources: Some students may struggle to access mental health resources due to financial or logistical barriers, such as long wait times for counselling or limited availability of mental health services on campus.

A recent survey conducted by Healthy Minds, a mental health research organisation, has found that students struggling with mental health issues are twice as likely to drop out of school. The research was conducted in order to gain insight into how mental health affects college student outcomes and uncovered some alarming statistics. 

The first part of the survey focused on identifying the prevalence of various mental illnesses among college students. It found that nearly one-third were suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. The second part of the survey specifically looked at how those mental health issues affected academic performance and overall college experience. The results showed that students with mental health issues were twice as likely to drop out or take leaves of absence due to their struggles. 

These findings demonstrate that there is an urgent need for improved access to mental health services on college campuses in order to ensure positive outcomes for all students.

How can universities support mental health? 

Universities can support mental health in several ways, including:

• Providing access to mental health resources: Universities can offer a range of mental health services to students, including counselling, therapy, and support groups. They can also provide resources such as hotlines, self-help guides, and online mental health screenings.
• Creating a supportive campus environment: Universities can foster a supportive environment by promoting mental health awareness and destigmatising mental health issues. This can include hosting mental health events, providing training for faculty and staff on how to support students with mental health issues, and creating peer support programmes.
• Offering flexible academic accommodations: Universities can offer accommodations such as extensions on assignments, flexible exam schedules, and reduced course loads for students who are experiencing mental health issues.
• Providing access to physical health resources: Physical health is closely linked to mental health, so universities can support mental health by providing access to resources such as health clinics, fitness facilities, and nutrition counselling.
• Encouraging self-care practices: Universities can promote self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise, which can help students manage stress and improve their mental health.

In recent years, there has been a push for universities to adopt a cultural approach to mental health care. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment that values mental health and wellness. Here are some ways that universities can adopt a cultural approach to mental health care among students.

Creating a cultural approach to mental health care starts with a commitment from university leadership. This commitment needs to be communicated through policies, practices, and resources that prioritise mental health and wellness. Leaders need to acknowledge that mental health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing. Campuses that show dedication to student wellbeing can help increase academic performance, retention, and graduation rates.

A cultural approach to mental health care emphasizes the importance of prevention. This means creating an environment that promotes mental wellness and reduces the risk of mental health problems. Prevention efforts can include educational programmes, outreach activities, and awareness campaigns that promote self-care and stress reduction.

Universities need to provide accessible and comprehensive mental health services that meet the needs of all students. This includes services such as counselling, therapy, and support groups. Mental health services need to be easily accessible, affordable, and free from stigma.

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is critical to promoting mental health and wellness. This includes creating a campus culture that values mental health, fosters social connections, and promotes diversity and inclusion. Students need to feel that they are part of a supportive community that cares about their wellbeing.

Universities should foster partnerships with community mental health providers to ensure that students have access to a continuum of care. Community providers can offer specialised services that may not be available on campus, such as medication management and specialised therapy.

In conclusion, adopting a cultural approach to mental health care can help universities promote mental wellness, reduce the risk of mental health problems, and create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. By committing to prevention, providing accessible and comprehensive services, creating a supportive environment, and fostering partnerships with community providers, universities can help students achieve their academic and personal goals while maintaining good mental health.

If you are a student looking for further support, feel free to reach out to me via my profile.