The Rising Statistics: Mental Health struggles within University Life
University is often described as an exciting experience to meet new people, be independent and pursue dream goals. However, the rising rate of mental health issues is becoming concerning. According to the MHFA England website, one in four students has a diagnosed mental health issue and 30% report that their mental health has worsened since starting university.
Reports of stress, anxiety and depression have risen, especially in higher education. More students are seeking support as they struggle with the demands of university life. In a 2022 survey by the mental health charity, Student Minds, 57% of respondents self-reported a mental health issue, and 27% said they had a diagnosed mental health condition. While support services are improving, the reality for students adjusting to university continues to affect young people’s well-being. Students face emotional and social challenges, especially loneliness from moving away from home to university. Making new friends at university can be quite daunting for some people. First-year students often move into student accommodations to be around people in the same situation; however, adjusting to communal areas can deeply impact someone's mental health if they suffer from anxiety. I
Coventry University, Welbeing
University allows students to study subjects they’re passionate about, but it also brings academic pressure. Unlike school, it brings deadlines, bigger workloads and the pressure from people around you to do well. Parents are usually very proud of their child if they go off to university, yet it brings with it the expectation of being the best. Alongside this, many students face financial strain. Rising rent costs and food prices it create a persistent stress throughout their academic life, as living as a student has become very expensive. Many students must get a part-time job just to cover the costs, and balancing this with studying drains people’s energy, leaving little time for rest.
Universities, therefore, play a crucial role in creating environments where students should feel safe and comfortable to talk about their mental health, yet some people are not getting the support they need. Although institutions must adhere to laws established by legislation on health and safety, safeguarding and equality, there are still gaps in support. Some undergraduates at the Royal College of Music in London had to wait up to 84 days to receive support. To understand the support locally, I spoke to the wellbeing lead at Coventry University to find out what kind of support they offer “Our services include 1:1 wellbeing appointments, disability support, mental health support, incident and harassment support and signposting to specialist teams, all designed to make sure students never have to manage difficulties alone. Support is easy to access through the Student Portal”
I also spoke to Ellie Mackay, a 19-year-old film studies student, who suffers from depression “After reaching out to the uni for help, I found that the waiting period to receive support was very long and frustrating, especially during the times I struggled with suicidal thoughts. However, when I finally became a priority on the list and began receiving therapy, I found the support that I received and am still currently receiving very helpful for my mental health.”
Long Wait times are a growing issue as demand increases. According to the NHS England website, 75% of patients should have a first appointment within 6 weeks of referral for talking therapies for anxiety and depression, which is a long time to wait, especially if someone is really struggling with their mental health. Funding limitations also mean that both the NHS and universities are struggling to meet the needs of students. The government has recruited 8,500 additional staff across NHS mental health services and is working with universities through the suicide-safe universities framework, helping to build a more open and supportive culture.
Recognising the importance of mental health is important for a positive university experience. With the right support and awareness, students can navigate those pressures.