In the wake of the health crisis and its effects upon society, the landscape of mental health across the UK has worsened. For certain social groups, this shift has been especially dramatic. Young adults aged between 17 and 19, for example, have seen rates of probable mental disorders rise from 1 in 6 to 1 in 4 as of 2022. People receiving benefits were also dramatically affected and 72% feel mentally worse or much worse since the pandemic began.

University students are another group who have been significantly impacted. 82% of students believe the health crisis negatively affected their academic experience. The pandemic changed the university experience across all establishments, requiring classes and social activities to be limited or altogether replaced with socially distant alternatives, such as video conferencing. This led to significant dismay from students who were not only disappointed that this changed the form of education they were investing in but also the potential outcome of their social experience.

64% of students in the UK felt that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected their mental health with 1 in 5 feeling that their university was not taking the necessary steps to improve student well-being. And, while 65% of students said that they sought mental health support and advice during the pandemic, only 19% actually received it. The mental health support group, Nightline, run by student volunteers, saw a 51.4% increase in calls between 2020 and 2021.

The mental health challenges that face students within a university setting, however, also exist outside of the COVID crisis. This year, on March 9th, University Mental Health Day (UMHD) will return, seeking to reach students across the UK in support of their well-being through education. This initiative, which sees a number of events take place annually, is run by the charity, Student Minds, offering ongoing support and resources for students as they navigate their higher education.

Exam stress remains a common challenge for students, as does the sense of isolation and unhappiness that comes from moving away from home, and its support networks, for the first time. There is also the anxiety associated with finding a career position following graduation. In 2022, a third of students reported feeling that the health crisis has reduced their job prospects. 

Certain groups are also more likely to experience mental ill-health and disorders, with an estimated 42% of LGBTQ+ students reporting depression or anxiety compared with 29% of non-LGBTQ+ students. And, while international students less often report mental ill-health, they do express greater concerns and anxiety surrounding university life, anticipating issues regarding employment, social life, and finances. 

As of 2022, around 50% of students report having considered dropping out of their studies over mental health concerns with 7 in 10 having a long- or short-term mental health disorder, or believing they have a disorder that has yet to be diagnosed. With over two million students, it is essential that mental health support is made readily available across the UK.

To improve the well-being of students and reverse a trend of declining mental health among university attendees, we must make greater efforts to reach student communities. UMHD continues to pursue this goal and, on March 9th, universities across the UK will host a variety of events and activities to encourage a greater dialogue about student mental health and the increase of well-being services.

At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we can offer support to students, as well as those affected by specialist disorders, such as eating disorders and addiction. To speak to our team, please contact us here. Or, alternatively, call 07751 271709.