Why creating a mental health support framework is so important
Social isolation, uncertainty about the future and a lack of normality are compounding already tough academic pressures, financial and relationship issues, and anxieties over being away from home. We can’t afford to be complacent. When a person is experiencing mental health issues, early intervention is critical. Without the right support, people’s long term health and future prospects can be adversely impacted. In the worst cases they can lose hope altogether. But with the right support, the vast majority can find the help they need or develop their own coping strategies for life. Having a qualified Mental Health First Aider ready to support students and staff can mean the all-important difference between a positive and negative outcome. Today we are experiencing a mental health epidemic, with record numbers of people struggling.
26% of 16-24 year olds have had suicidal thoughts. 2
One UK student dies by suicide every four days. 3
"75% of mental health issues start before the age of 18 so we have a lot of students coming in with pre-existing symptoms, needing support. If we can provide the right support for early intervention, students have a better outcome and can engage with their studies here, whether they have a diagnosis or not." Jo Levy, Head of Counselling, Outreach and Training, King’s College London (King’s College London has trained over 650 staff members as Mental Health First Aiders)
2. NHS Digital, 2016: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey: Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England, 2014 3. Office for National Statistics, 2018: Estimating suicide among higher education students, England and Wales
3
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker