More students seek help for mental health problems
By Andrew Iles London
The number of UK students seeking help for mental health problems is increasing, says a new report by the council of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The report also shows that mental health problems are becoming more severe in the United Kingdom's student population.
Although more students in higher education than young people not in higher education report mental illness, the incidence of severe mental illness is highest in the non-student population, says the report. Higher education is associated with increased stress from the emotional demands of the change from home and school to the less structured world of college, independent study, examinations, and money worries.
Despite the wide spread provision of university counselling and pastoral services, access to specialist NHS student mental health care services is variable. The report recommends the formation of a dedicated student mental health service by NHS trusts and the promotion of mental health by higher education institutions.
Dr Mike Hobbs, chairman of the working group that prepared the report, said, "We hope to bring the findings of our report to the widest possible audience so that effective and coordinated action can be taken. It is vital that we develop high quality mental health services for all students who need them and that these services are adequately resourced."
National Union of Students executive member, Helen Symons, added, "We are working to remove the stigma and misunderstanding around the issue of mental health and we cannot afford to lose talented students because they have not been able to access the help they need."
The UK government plans to have 50% of young people in higher education by 2010, a number which would overwhelm current mental health resources.
