Over the last years, mental health has become a serious issue of discussion, particularly among college students. Given the tensions of academics, socialization, and trying to grow up into adult, many students experience mental health issues.
According to the American College Health Association, about 40 percent of students reported feeling that things were “going so well they are barely stuck at all,” while about 60 percent reported feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. Noting these staggering numbers, universities around the world are looking to take action to better support the mental health of their students.
Universities Increase Access to Counseling Service
One of the first steps universities have been taking to combat mental health issues is to increase access to counseling services. Hiring is also on the upswing in many institutions, as they strive to meet their mental health professional needs. As an illustration, the Center for Collegiate Mental Health surveyed students coming into counseling services and discovered that student requests for counseling have jumped over the past ten years by more than 30%.
To cope with the influx, the universities are not only hiring more counselors but also extending the hours of operation. Some colleges offer online counseling services, allowing students to access help from a dorm room.
Campaigns for Mental Health Awareness
In addition to this, the campuses are starting mental health awareness campaigns. The campaigns help eliminate stigma that goes with mental illness and encourage students to call a professional when in need. Different campaigns have workshops, seminars, and events aimed towards education in mental health.
For example, Mental Health Awareness Week is held in many campuses, and it involves activities that help make the students engage in talks regarding mental health. The discussions regarding the problems do not cause chaos but rather normalize them and provide a conducive environment for students to thrive at universities.
Peer Support Programs
Another very effective strategy universities are now adopting includes the implementation of peer support programs. Peer support programs train students to provide psychosocial support to a peer who may face mental health challenges.
Peer support has been found to be quite effective simply because students often tend to relate with a peer more than the other help providers. Many universities have experienced positive outcomes from these programs because participants have increased feelings of connection and reduced feelings of loneliness.
Mental Health in the Academic Setting
Bearing in mind that academic pressure is attributed to some of the forms of mental health issues, some institutions are educating their students on mental health. This will help the students know why mental wellness matters and how they can cope with that.
Among the examples offered by some of the institutions include courses like stress management, mindfulness, and resilience. The university promotes a culture that places value on both mental health and academic success when it makes these subjects part of the academic experience.
Collaboration with Community Resources
Most universities partner with local mental health organizations to strengthen their services. It will be able to bring more resources and support beyond what the university can do for the students. For example, through some universities’ referral systems, students are connected to community therapists and support groups. The collaboration aids in increasing the sort of services available but also helps students feel more connected to their communities.
Given mental health as an evergreen issue amongst college students, the university system upgraded their efforts to support the same. Increased accessibility and presence of counseling services, mental health awareness campaigns, peer support programs, academic life incorporated with mental health, and association with community resources have made the contribution from universities toward addressing the mental health requirement of students. By focusing on the psychological well-being of these students, these organizations are helping them not only pass through their college days, but are also preparing them for a healthier future.
