Supporting Student Mental Health in Higher Education

The book "Student Mental Health in Higher Education" provides guidance and strategies to support students effectively, addressing the gap in provision by universities. It is suitable for various staff responsible for student support.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2019
Publisher: Critical Publishing Ltd

Student mental health is a pressing concern in higher education, with recent reports highlighting a significant gap in provision by universities and the perceived lack of preparedness among academics to support students effectively. This comprehensive book aims to address these concerns by offering comprehensive guidance and evidence-informed strategies and interventions to assist those working with students in providing effective support. It is designed to be valuable for lecturers, personal tutors, student counselors, course leaders, heads of department, and administration staff who have responsibilities in student support.

The prevalence of mental health issues among students in higher education has been on the rise in recent years, leading to a growing demand for effective support services. Universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing student mental health, but there are still significant challenges to be overcome. One of the main concerns is the lack of adequate provision of mental health services by universities. Many students do not have access to the necessary support, either because of a lack of resources or because of stigma associated with seeking help. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a detrimental impact on academic performance and overall well-being.

In addition to the lack of provision, there is also a perceived lack of preparedness among academics to support students with mental health issues. Many academics feel that they do not have the necessary training or expertise to provide effective support to students, which can lead to a sense of frustration and helplessness among both students and staff. This can further exacerbate the issue of mental health stigma and prevent students from seeking help when they need it.

To address these concerns, this book provides comprehensive guidance and workable evidence-informed strategies and interventions to help those working with students to support them effectively. It is designed to be relevant to a wide range of professionals, including lecturers, personal tutors, student counselors, course leaders, heads of department, and administration staff.

The book begins by exploring the background and context of student mental health in higher education. It provides an overview of the current state of the issue, including the prevalence of mental health issues, the factors that contribute to them, and the impact that they have on students and the wider community. The book then goes on to provide a framework for understanding and responding to student mental health issues. It discusses the importance of promoting a culture of mental health awareness and resilience within universities, as well as the role that staff and students can play in supporting each other.

The book also provides a range of evidence-informed strategies and interventions that can be used to support students with mental health issues. It covers topics such as early intervention, stress management, anxiety management, and depression management, and provides practical guidance on how to implement these strategies in a university setting. The book also includes case studies and examples of successful interventions that have been used in other universities to support students with mental health issues.

In conclusion, student mental health is a pressing concern in higher education, and this book provides comprehensive guidance and workable evidence-informed strategies and interventions to help those working with students to support them effectively. It is suitable for a wide range of professionals, and its practical approach makes it accessible to anyone who is interested in improving the mental health of students in higher education. By promoting a culture of mental health awareness and resilience, and providing effective support services, we can help to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912508778