1 in 5 students has a diagnosed mental health problem . according to Mind, an English and Welsh mental health charity. There are numerous ways in which this can present itself, and there may be numerous causes for these problems to arise. Uncertainty, increased stress, and a wide range of other emotions are sometimes brought on by attending university and are frequently made worse by the fact that many students initially enroll in colleges in the winter.
Since the majority of us are aware of the negative effects that the gloomy, gloomy winter days can have on our mental health, it is crucial that universities provide their students with mental health support during the winter. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t pay attention to it the rest of the year, but they should put in extra effort in the winter to help kids succeed at university and successfully adjust to their new environment.
There are many things that can be done in terms of the part that institutions can play in providing their students with mental health support. Universities play a significant role in generating autonomous people, many of whom are walking away from their families for the first time, experiencing new things, and shaping their futures in a variety of ways. Universities are not just formal educational institutions.
EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY, AND COMMUNICATION It is crucial that colleges are aware of how their actions affect students’ mental health. Their students’ mental health may suffer as a result of the additional stress and pressure. During the pandemic, communication has been extremely crucial, and colleges that don’t do their part to keep in touch with their students and behave effectively and consistently risk making their students more anxious.
It is crucial that both the university and the students are clear about what is expected of them and what they can anticipate from their school.
HELP TO FIX THE PROBLEMS When they attend college, many students have the same problems. If these difficulties are not addressed right away, they may develop into mental health disorders. Universities can also assist students by assisting them in preventing mental health concerns like anxiety and depression from ever occurring in the first place. Giving students guidance and assistance with managing their funds, for instance, might help them avoid financial challenges, which frequently result in mental health issues.
ADVOCATION OF PEER RELATIONS AND SUPPORT Support doesn’t have to come directly from the institution. Universities should do everything in their power to foster peer networks and friendships because it is common for students to help one another during trying times. Along with pushing anti-bullying legislation, creating safe places, encouraging kindness, teamwork, and overall cultivating a pleasant, encouraging environment.
SCHEMES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT All students should have access to programs that provide mental health support, like counsellors and helplines. Every student must have access to these resources, and they must all be made aware of what is offered and how to obtain this assistance. Universities should promote these services as much as possible and urge students to use them.
Universities can also provide their students outside-the-classroom support services, which are quite helpful for students wishing to leave campus life. Speaking as a former student, it was immensely relieving to know that healthcare services for mental health support were available off the campus of my university. According to Helping Hands Home Care , a professional provider of mental health care support, receiving a diagnosis of a mental illness can change your life, but it doesn’t always imply losing your independence.
ROYAL FLAGS Universities are increasingly able to spot behavioral patterns and warning indications in a student’s behavior that indicate a mental health issue. Indicators of mental health issues in students may include declining engagement, withdrawing from campus activities, or changes in attitude. These warning indicators can be recognized by teachers and mentors, other students, or technological tools, allowing problems to be addressed earlier.
Every choice made within an educational institution should be based on the student mental health issue. Universities have an obligation to provide their students with the finest atmosphere for learning possible, especially during the winter, so that they graduate from the institution with a well-rounded, psychologically healthy person.