Mental Health Issues Among UK University Students: Are Universities Doing Enough?
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
According to recent studies, mental health issues are becoming increasingly common among university students in the UK. In a survey conducted by charity Humen, almost 50% of the 7,200 students surveyed reported that mental health difficulties had a negative impact on their university experience. There has been a staggering 450% increase in students declaring existing mental health issues during the university application process (UCAS, 2021). This is a worrying trend, as mental health problems can have serious consequences for students, ranging from poor academic performance to self-harm and suicide.
Becoming a student can be a stressful experience, with many students having to adjust to a new environment, manage their finances, and cope with the demands of academic work. While stress itself is not a mental health problem, it can lead to mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance misuse and suicide risk were increased after the first cycle of lockdown in the UK.
Given the high prevalence of these disabling issues, It is important for universities to take proactive steps to support their students’ with their mental health. And should be well equipped to recognise the impact that stress can have on students, to then be able to provide support and resources to help them manage their stress levels and maintain good mental health. This may involve providing access to mental health services, promoting mental health awareness and education, and creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment. By prioritizing the mental health of their students, universities can help to ensure that students are able to achieve their full potential and have a positive university experience.
Common Mental Health Disorders Among University Students
University students in the UK often experience various mental health disorders that can affect their academic performance and overall well-being. Here are some of the most common mental health disorders among university students:
Depression
According to a survey by the mental health charity Student Minds, depression was the most commonly reported issue in this group.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are reported by a third of the respondents in the Student Minds survey reporting anxiety.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are reported by almost 20% of students
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, is a significant problem in this group. According to the Insight Network survey, almost 30% of students reported engaging in binge drinking, and 13% reported using illegal drugs
ADHD
Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues
Students face a range of challenges, some of the most common factors contributing include academic pressure, social challenges, and financial stress.
Academic Pressure
The pressure to excel academically can come from a variety of sources, including professors, peers, and family members. Students may feel like they need to maintain a certain specific grades in order to succeed in their chosen field.
Social Challenges
Social challenges like transition to university life, especially for students who leave home for the first time, some may struggle to make new friends, feeling isolated or homesick, or experience of a culture shock.
Financial Stress
University students are very likely to experience financial stress, which can impact their mental health in a variety of ways. They may struggle to pay for tuition, housing, and other expenses, and may feel pressure to work long hours or take on debt to make ends meet.
Impact of Mental Health Issues on Academic Performance
In a study on selection and academic performance, researchers found that mental health problems in early childhood and adolescence increase the risk of poor academic performance [1]. This highlights the need for awareness and treatment to provide fair opportunities for education.
The link between academic pressure and mental health problems has been well documented. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reviewed 52 studies involving students who attended either primary school, secondary school, or sixth-form college across the globe between 1991 and 2022. In 48 of the studies, there was a positive association between academic pressure or proximity to exams and mental health issues [2].
Mental health issues can also result in students missing classes and deadlines, which can further impact their academic performance. It is important for universities to provide support and resources to help students manage their mental health and academic workload. This can include counselling services, mental health resources, and academic accommodations.
Policy and Legislation Surrounding Mental Health in UK Universities
UK universities have a legal responsibility to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of their students. In recent years, the UK government has recognized the importance of promoting mental health in universities and has introduced several policies and guidelines to help universities meet their duty of care.
For students grappling with mental health disorders, duty of care becomes even more critical. They require robust support systems that listen without judgment and offer help when needed. A comprehensive and compassionate approach is essential in fostering a thriving campus community.
So, what exactly is ‘duty of care’? It’s a responsibility that businesses and institutions have towards their employees, customers, and clients ensuring their safety and well-being. Translating this concept to universities means safeguarding students’ welfare. A legal duty of care would make universities accountable for creating a safe and nurturing environment, complete with counselling and tailored wellness programs.
However, navigating duty of care is no easy task, particularly when balancing patient rights to privacy and confidentiality. Just like all individuals, students cherish their privacy, especially when seeking assistance for mental health concerns. Universities must skilfully navigate this fine line, ensuring students’ well-being while respecting their boundaries.
Transparency is the cornerstone of managing this complex issue. When students face significant challenges, communication with parents or guardians must be clear and thoughtful, obtaining the student’s consent whenever possible. Striking this balance between care and privacy is essential in providing responsible and effective support.
Real-life experiences can highlight the impact of a legal duty of care for students. Take for instance, the heart-wrenching story of Phoebe Grime, a young student who struggled with mental health issues. Her mother, Hilary, expressed concerns to the university, but the response fell short, leading to a tragic outcome. Instances like this underscore the need for comprehensive duty of care in universities, holding them accountable for their students’ mental well-being.
One such policy is the Stepchange framework, which aims to promote a whole-university approach to mental health. This framework encourages universities to make mental health a strategic priority and to adopt a whole-university approach that involves all staff and students. The framework also provides guidance on how universities can support students who are experiencing mental health issues, including providing access to counselling and mental health services.
Another important policy is the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, which includes provisions for promoting student wellbeing and mental health. This act requires universities to have a mental health and wellbeing strategy in place and to report on their progress in implementing this strategy.
In addition to these policies, there are several laws that apply to universities and their duty of care towards students. The Equality Act 2010, for example, requires universities to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that students with mental health conditions are not disadvantaged. Universities also have a duty of care under common law to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to their students.
In Conclusion, University can be a time of great excitement and new experiences, but also a time of change, academic, financial and social pressure. Given the current social and economic environment mental disorders among university students are a growing concern in the UK. The consequences of mental health issues for students range from poor academic performance and dropping out of university, to self-harm and suicide.
Universities are multifaceted institutions facing various challenges, but this must not deter us from advocating for student well-being. A legal duty of care would set a benchmark for excellence, ensuring that universities prioritise mental health support and continually improve their services.
If you, or anyone that you know, is struggling with their mental health please reach out to Oaktree Connect and get the help and support that you need.
References
Sky News (2023) Parents of students who died by suicide call for legal duty of care to be imposed on Universities, Sky News. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/parents-of-students-who-died-by-suicide-call-for-legal-duty-of-care-to-be-imposed-on-universities-12904608#:~:text=News%20%7C%20Sky%20News-,Parents%20of%20students%20who%20died%20by%20suicide%20call%20for%20legal,way%20employers%20are%20with%20employees. (Accessed: 04 August 2023).
UCAS (2021) 450% increase in student mental health declarations over last decade but progress still needed to address declarations stigma, UCAS. Available at: https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/450-increase-student-mental-health-declarations-over-last-decade-progress-still-needed-address (Accessed: 04 August 2023).
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Dr Singh is the consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neuropsychiatry. Having seen and treated hundreds of patients with ADHD, in London and Birmingham and with masters in Neuropsychiatry, she is well known as an expert in this field.
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