Higher education is a time of growth and transition, marked by new opportunities, challenges and experiences. It is also a time when students face a multitude of stressors and pressures, from academic demands to financial worries to social relationships.
These stressors can significantly impact students’ mental health and well-being and affect their academic success and overall quality of life.
Colleges and universities are responsible for supporting the mental health and well-being of their communities. By promoting mental health and wellness, institutions can help students thrive academically and personally and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
The importance of mental health and wellness for student success
Mental health and wellness are essential for student success. According to research, students with better mental health and well-being are more likely to perform better academically, have higher levels of engagement and retention, and experience a better overall quality of life.
Conversely, students who struggle with mental health issues are at a greater risk of dropping out, experiencing academic difficulties and facing social and emotional challenges.
Promoting mental health and wellness is important for individual students and the larger campus community. When prioritizing mental health and wellness, we create a culture of support and inclusivity that benefits everyone and fosters a sense of belonging and connection.
Ways to promote mental health and well-being
There are several ways that higher education institutions can promote mental health and well-being among their students, including:
- Counseling services: Counselling services are essential for providing support and resources for students struggling with mental health issues. By offering various services, such as individual and group counselling, crisis intervention and referrals, institutions can help students manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being.
- Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe and supportive space for students to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Support groups can benefit students who feel isolated or alone and can help them build a sense of community and connection.
- Mental health awareness campaigns: These can help reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, increase awareness of available resources and promote a culture of support and inclusivity. By raising awareness about mental health and promoting self-care and healthy coping strategies, institutions can help students develop the skills and tools they need to manage their mental health.
Challenges and stigma surrounding mental health
Despite the importance of mental health and wellness, there are still significant challenges and stigmas surrounding mental health in the higher education community. Many students hesitate to seek mental health services, fearing being judged or stigmatized. Additionally, many students may feel that their mental health struggles are not taken seriously or that seeking help will negatively impact their academic performance.
It’s important to remember that staff and faculty also face their own mental health challenges, which can impact their work and the campus community. Institutions can create a more supportive and healthy work environment by prioritizing staff and faculty mental health and well-being.
Providing access to mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs and counselling services, can help staff and faculty members manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being. Offering mental health training for staff and faculty can also help create a more inclusive and understanding culture that benefits both employees and students.
Institutions can work to break down these barriers and create a more supportive and inclusive environment by:
- Normalizing mental health support: By making mental health services a regular and routine part of campus life, institutions can help reduce stigma and encourage students to seek the help they need.
- Providing resources and support: Institutions can provide students with resources and support to help them manage their mental health and well-being, such as counselling services, support groups and online resources.
- Training faculty and staff: By providing training and support for faculty and staff, institutions can create a culture of support and understanding and help students feel more comfortable seeking out mental health support.
Mental health and wellness are essential for staff, faculty and student success, and colleges and universities are responsible for supporting the mental health and well-being of their communities. Promoting mental health and well-being can create a more inclusive and supportive society.
Mental health resources in Canada
Wellness Together Canada: A mental health and substance abuse service funded by the Government of Canada, which provides free resources, tools and counselling services.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): A national non-profit organization that provides mental health and addiction resources and services to Canadians.
Good2Talk: A confidential and anonymous helpline for Ontario post-secondary students providing professional counselling services and crisis support.