Theresa May promised a mental
health overhaul.
However, these measures largely do not cater to students, who
are a high-risk group.
The measures mainly focus on secondary school students,
by improving teacher’s education in the area and increasing focus on community
care among other initiatives.
Student Minds, the UK student
mental health charity, has welcomed these changes with caution.
Rachel Piper a
spokesman for the organisation said:
“We would agree mental health currently
does not have parity of esteem with physical health, and we hope funding is put
in place alongside the promises to rectify this.”
Future measures
When asked what government
could do to further improve student welfare Student Minds pointed us to the
University Challenge report, which picks out issues affecting student mental
health.
The report recognises because
of their age students find themselves at a transition between services and this
is further complicated by the fact they are often moving to new areas of the
country, Rachel said: “transitions can disrupt a student’s care at a time when
they are already particularly vulnerable”.
She continues: “moving between home
and university creates a unique set of challenges for maintaining continuity of
care”.
The University Challenge
report also points to accessibility as an issue.
“Waiting times often mean
students’ appointments are at inaccessible times during the holidays and
treatment is disrupted by vacations.”
High risk group
Students are at high risk of
mental health problems, with 29% of students experiencing clinical levels of
psychological distress.
With anxiety and depression being the main problems.
Between 2007 and 2011 the number of students
taking their own lives rose by 50%. It is estimated as many as one in eight
students feel suicidal while at university.
A further two in three will feel
down at some point in their studies.
Why so down?
Possible reasons for this
distress could be: “For many young people these are the first years they will
spend away from established networks of family support.”
Adjusting to student
lifestyle also brings challenges, with an associated poor diet, work pressures,
lack of exercise and alcohol consumption often being a factor.
The years spent
at university often coincide with the peak age of onset for a range of mental
health conditions.
These days a tough job market
also adds pressure for high attainment, while many who suffer with mental
health problems conversely at ‘considerable risk’ of academic failure and
dropping out.
Seek support
Despite these worrying statistics it is
estimated 50% of students don’t feel comfortable admitting they are not coping.
So don’t feel alone, you aren’t, seek support, it is there for you.
Take the
advice; everyone wants you healthy and happy.
You can seek a referral to a counselor through your GP, or contact a
mental health charity such as Mind or The Samaritans for support.
And Student
Minds are also a great portal of support if you go to http://www.studentminds.org.uk/find-support.html.
Stay happy.
