As higher education comes with hope of new beginnings, it also has its fair share of challenges. It is time that universities support student’s mental health
Moving away from home and discovering a new place can feel somewhat isolating at first, and coupled with the intensity of university studies, many students may find themselves feeling low.
Therefore, it’s crucial that public sector institutions, such as universities take action to protect students’ mental health.
The onus is on educational institutions to step up to the mark in order to promote safe and effective learning, which is what students come to expect.
In this article, we take a look at some of the ways in which universities can support students’ mental health in education and outside of it.
Spread awareness for student’s mental health
The first barrier to mental health support often results from a fear of judgement, particularly in universities where students may be separated from their usual support networks.
There should be no shame in seeking help, but unfortunately, although society has come a long way, there’s still a stigma surrounding mental health.
To tackle this issue, it’s important to promote awareness and encourage open and positive discussions.
Universities can help with this – whether it’s by creating in-house resources, inviting mental health charities to speak to students or even just promoting support services, all discussions that shed a positive light on the topic can help to reduce the stigma.
Make student mental health counselling services accessible
Fortunately, as awareness of mental health issues increases, more resources are being made available.
However, it’s not always clear what support is available and how it can be accessed. This can be challenging for students, particularly for those in a new area where they’re unfamiliar with the local authorities.
Universities should openly provide information on the services available in the local area in order to encourage students to seek help if they need it.
This can be done through newsletter emails, online resources or leaflets as part of their welcome packs.
To go one step further, universities may offer in-house counselling services to students. This is becoming increasingly common, and is a great way for students to access tailored support from someone who has experience handling the challenges that university life can present.
Provide staff with training in student counselling services
Aside from dedicated counselling services, it’s also important for university teaching and support staff to have some level of basic mental health training.
This can be incredibly helpful, not only for students but for teaching staff too, as it can offer some insight into the reasoning behind certain behaviours.
Some students may also be reluctant to reach out to a counsellor as they lack a connection with that person, which can exacerbate any feelings of anxiety.
Instead, they may prefer to speak to someone they feel closer to, such as a lecturer or tutor. Although teaching staff won’t be able to offer the same level of support as a counsellor, the ability to listen and understand can really go a long way.
Establish peer support groups for mental health
Despite the growing concern for student’s mental health in education, it’s not unusual for students to feel as though they are the only ones struggling. Although their peers may be feeling similarly, it’s not always visible.
When in an unfamiliar place and looking to make new friends, many students may feel that it’s better to put on a brave face in order to be likeable. In reality, the closest bonds can be formed when individuals open up to each other, and it’s up to universities to promote this.
Hosting peer support sessions where students can just drop in as needed can be a great way to encourage them to seek help, or more structured group therapy sessions may work better for others.
However it’s done, offering a judgement-free environment to talk through concerns with peers can be incredibly beneficial to mental health of students.
Accepting responsibility for role in protecting mental wellbeing
It’s important that universities accept their role in protecting students’ mental wellbeing and take the steps required to do so.
Students are under an incredible amount of stress during their studies, undertaking a new level of commitment while also learning how to fend for themselves. It’s easy for the added pressures to take a toll, so there should be no shame in seeking help.
By spreading awareness, promoting counselling services, providing staff with training and offering peer support group sessions, universities can encourage students to seek help.
In this kind of environment where open and honest communication is commonplace, it can be easier for students to reach out for support before their struggles spiral into anything more serious.
In turn, this can promote a more positive outlook on higher education for both students and their families, and encourage them to take the steps needed to further their career without being concerned for their health.
This piece was written and provided by Alieyah Hendricks, consultant and researcher.
