In the wake of 95 student suicides last year alone, universities are stepping up the pace when it comes to mental health care within an educational and academic setting.
Under new regulations, young people will be advised to log any existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, self-harm or eating disorders under their UCAS application, in order to inform the University of their Situation before heading there to study.
It is believed that the new move will be put in place to allow students to be more open when discussing their personal situations with staff, as, according to the Independent, silence can be the biggest killer when it comes to mental health and suicidal thoughts.
With government ministers stating that universities could risk failing a whole generation if their mental health regulations are not improved, it appears that academic institutions are under an immense amount of pressure to keep every student safe and happy during their studies.
The father of a student, who took his own life in May of this year, is backing the decision, advising young people to look after each other this fresher’s week, stating that mental health issues amongst peers can be noted in silent students who don’t come out of their room or who refuse to socialise with others and seem withdrawn or stressed.
James Murray argues that the reasons behind his son’s death lie mainly behind a lack of information being shared between both student and university, and is urging struggling students, who would still like to experience university, to let their institution know either during the admissions process or as soon as they start their studies; ‘If we had had more information maybe would have intervened, maybe things would have been different.’
Professor West of the University of West England argues that students are reluctant to log their mental health issues under the title of a disability, and that by changing the process to a simple addition at the bottom of their application, hopefully stigma will be reduced around the topic.
In the past year, ten students from Bristol University and two from UWE have died; three of these occurring during the summer months in the height and stress of exams- according to the Independent, many of these have been confirmed as suicides.
West states that students should be encouraged to discuss their mental health on the application form, in as much or as little detail as they like; not being afraid to hold back on what their daily lives entail and which form of support that would appreciate during their time at the university.
In the wake of World Suicide Prevention Day last Monday, there are plans for the new system to allow students to open up about their struggles in a bid to make sure that staff are aware and vigilante at all times.
In a discussion with the Independent, the vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol, Hugh Brady, is supporting the new initiative; ‘I was encouraged by the discussion we had on the sharing of information and especially during the transition – is there an easier, better, more effective way of sharing information. That is something that UUK is looking at.’
The University of Bristol will also host a variety of fresher’s fair events based around the topics of mental health and wellbeing, due to the high levels of student suicides on campus last academic year.
Bristol are now encouraging students to supply designated family contact details during their registration, so that these details can be utilised by the university if the student appears to be in distress- according to Hugh Brady, the larger the amount of contact information and personal circumstances uncovered, the better.
Hugh Brady also went on to stress that mental health conditions at the bottom of UCAS applications will in no way inhibit the application process; 'Students would need to be reassured, they would need to be confident, that it would not in any way compromise their application. And I know our university certainly wouldn’t’.
There is hope for the new plans to allow students to talk more openly about their conditions, in the confidence that the university will be in a good position to tackle any issues which arise during the student’s time of study.
If you are experiencing mental health conditions, head over to Mind.org to find out more on the resources available to you.
Alternatively, Rehab 4 Addiction offers a free hotline dedicated to assisting those suffering from drug, alcohol and mental health issues. Rehab 4 Addiction was founded in 2011 by people who overcame drug and alcohol addiction themselves. You can contact Rehab 4 Addiction on 0800 140 4690.
