Student mental health and wellbeing are crucial factors in academic success and overall university experience, a fact that Higher Education (HE) professionals are well aware of. However, with reported student mental health conditions almost seven times higher than they were a decade ago (and the actual number of cases expected to be much higher), creating environments that effectively support and nurture student mental health has never been more important. 

This blog will explore common challenges students face, how to recognise warning signs, strategies for fostering a supportive environment, and ways to engage students in valuable resources at scale. Equipping students with coping methods – and encouraging the use of appropriate resources early – can significantly impact their success and wellbeing.

Understanding the Challenges

Students face a unique set of mental health challenges, and while many HE professionals are already well aware of these issues, it’s essential to keep them in mind when developing support strategies for student mental health.

Here are a few of the key challenges that students are likely to face throughout their time at university:

• Transition to university life: Adapting to a new environment, away from home, can be overwhelming, and many students struggle with the combination of a significant lifestyle change and the new responsibilities they face in Higher Education.
• Academic pressure: 71% of students say they feel anxious about classes and schoolwork. The demands of coursework, exams, and maintaining good grades can be significant stressors, leading to demotivation and falling behind.
• Social and emotional adjustments: Nearly half of new students (44%) report struggles meeting new people and making friends. Building new relationships can be challenging, with social isolation being one of the key factors in poor mental health among students.
• COVID and Cost of Living: Students have reported lower levels of happiness in general since the pandemic, combined with the rising cost of living.

Recognising and Responding to Warning Signs

Knowing What to Look For

While a whole-university approach to providing resources is important, so is proactively recognising the signs of mental health struggles in individual students. Below are signs to be aware of, for staff who work closely with students every day:

• Behavioural changes: Noticeable shifts in behaviour, such as increased irritability or withdrawal from social activities.
• Academic performance decline: A sudden drop in grades or missing assignments.
• Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and isolating themselves from peers.

Creating a Supportive Environment

The stigma around mental health makes it hard for students to speak up, and therefore it’s difficult to provide help to those struggling. As an institution, creating a supportive environment is essential for promoting good mental health:

• Encouraging open conversations about mental health/reducing stigma: Normalising discussions about mental health to reduce stigma encourages students to speak up.
• Promoting a balanced routine: 54% of students struggle to develop healthy habits at university. Helping students find a healthy balance between their academic and personal lives will improve overall wellbeing.
• Encouraging peer support and community building: Facilitating peer-led initiatives and creating opportunities for community engagement not only helps students make more friends, but fosters a supportive community where they’re more likely to feel a sense of belonging.
• Training staff and faculty: Ensuring that those in contact with students are equipped to recognise and respond to mental health issues is essential.

Resources for Students and Staff

Building a strong university community is important, but for students who are really struggling, a robust network of resources is needed to ensure that no student goes without the help they need:

• Internal resources: Having help available within the university is crucial in making students feel that they are supported during their time there. Universities should have comprehensive counselling services and mental health workshops available to all students, which are then promoted across numerous platforms.
• External resources: Some students might feel more comfortable looking to external help instead, or it might be more suitable to their needs. In this case, universities can point students towards external support options like the NHS, Samaritans, and Student Space.

Alongside this, it’s important for institutions to know about the resources designed to help staff improve student mental health too.

• Resources for staff: In recent years there have been several frameworks put into place to guide universities in promoting good student mental health, such as:
  • The 2018 UUK and Papyrus’ Suicide-safer Universities
  • The 2019  University Mental Health Charter
  • UUK’s 2020 Stepchange: Mentally healthy universities

Engaging Students at Scale

Reaching a large number of students is a challenge, but it’s critical for promoting mental health resources and encouraging students to seek help before things become critical. A 2023 student survey by the Tab and CALM found just 12% of respondents think their university handles the issue of mental health well, and this likely comes down to how aware students are of the resources that their university offers.

However, there are many effective ways to change this and start engaging students at scale:

• Utilising digital platforms for communication: In today's digital age, leveraging social media and apps is a great way to disseminate information about student mental health and wellbeing. These platforms allow for real-time updates, interactive content, and broad reach. Regular posts, stories, and notifications can keep mental health resources top of mind for students, ensuring they are aware of available support.
• Peer-led initiatives and student ambassadors: Peer-led initiatives create relatable and approachable avenues for discussing mental health. Student ambassadors can share their experiences, promote resources, and encourage a culture of openness and support among their peers.
• Interactive training: Developing engaging training programs that capture students' attention and ensure active participation makes a huge difference. Interactive training should be highly engaging and accessible, designed to fit into students' busy schedules, making it easier for them to engage with the material. Interactive elements such as quizzes, videos, and real-life scenarios enhance learning and retention.

Conclusion

Supporting student mental health is a fundamental aspect of improving student outcomes – fostering academic success and personal development. HE professionals play a huge role in creating a supportive environment and providing the necessary resources. By prioritising mental wellbeing and engaging students at scale – raising awareness and encouraging them to use available support – we can significantly enhance their university experience.

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