College students care deeply about mental health policy

Stress and poor mental health continue to be the main reasons college students leave education, making them important retention factors for higher education leaders to consider.

Unlike previous generations, college students are more likely to talk about their mental health and are also more likely to address things like: Advocacy on policy issuesbut recent research A study by TimelyCare and Active Minds found that students need more support to learn how to make campus a more welcoming place to discuss mental health.

According to a February 2024 survey conducted by organizations, 74% of respondents said they felt raising awareness of mental health was important to them, but they felt that raising awareness of mental health was important to them, but Only a third (34%) say they know how to make their workplace a happy place to work. Feel free to talk about mental health.

The research brief outlines opportunities for higher education stakeholders to help students use their voices in addressing mental health issues on college campuses.

“Supporting the mental health of university students benefits everyone: students, universities, and society.Students play an important role in improving mental health on campus, and we believe that supporting and improving mental health “It has the potential to shape local, state, and national policy,” the report’s authors said.

The students say: According to the survey, 7 in 10 students say their university encourages open dialogue about mental health, but 7 in 10 students report that their university is concerned about students’ mental health. Only 6 out of 10 people did.

Just over half (54 percent of students) report that their institution provides adequate mental health resources for students, and students at two-year colleges are more likely to say this is true. (56 percent). Students who identify as lonely (50%), experiencing high psychological distress (50%), or as members of the LGBTQ+ community (49% of LGBTQ and 44% of non-cisgender students) least likely to say their institution provides adequate resources.

At the national level, students’ top priority when considering mental health policy is access to health care (93 percent), followed by affordable housing (84 percent), economic inequality (67 percent); Racial justice (51 percent) follows. According to respondents, the climate crisis (46%).

Two-thirds of students are interested in voting for leaders who support mental health policies in local, state, and federal elections, and three in five students are interested in advocating for mental health policies. have. Students at two-year colleges are more likely than students at four-year colleges to say they know more about government policies that support mental health (31 percent vs. 28 percent).

Certain groups of students are more likely to say that mental health awareness is important to them, including students who identify as lonely (77 percent) and those who experience high levels of mental distress. (78 percent), LGBQ+ (79 percent), and non-cisgender students (81 percent).

Let’s try it out: For universities looking to do more, the research brief encourages leaders to:

• Attract students’ attention to raise awareness. Universities can initiate or encourage learners to join organizations and student groups focused on mental health awareness and support. Organizations like Active Minds and the Jed Foundation have student-led groups on campus to promote programming and change. Practitioners can also consider sharing the stories of current or former students to inspire action.
• Enliven the conversation. First, administrators must listen to students, act on their feelings, demonstrate the organization’s commitment to meeting students’ mental health needs, and gain learner buy-in. The University of Connecticut partners with student organizations to gain feedback and insights about student health and wellness offerings.
• Create opportunities for students to learn more about advocacy and participate in advocacy. Although many students say mental health policy is important to them, they are less likely to say they are aware of local, state, and federal policies. Public engagement training and programs can help voice their concerns.
• We offer a variety of mental health resources and support. Students do not believe current mental health efforts are sufficient to meet their needs, creating an opportunity for institutions to diversify their services and resources. Survey data and evaluations help assess how students use and find resources and the needs of specific populations. Administrators should also engage the entire campus community to widely promote resources, especially during critical times such as orientation, exams, and recess.

Do you have any health tips that might help others promote student success? Please tell me about it.