There has been a significant rise in the number of students receiving mental health support in universities in the last five academic years.
A study released by IPPR this academic year (September 2017) shows that in England 19% of 16-24-year olds experience a mental health condition.
The study also shows that in 2015/16, 15,395 UK-domiciled first-year students at HEIs in the UK disclosed a mental health condition.
Following a recent, FOS request, it showed that the number of current students receiving mental health support at University of Lincoln has increased by 45% from the academic year of 2016/17 to the academic year 2017/18 – as of 25th February 2018.
This has been noticeable to staff which has also brought an increase in the number of wellbeing staff employed at the university.
In the academic year of 2013/14 The University of Lincoln had three counsellors, all part time and self employed and one mental health advisor and now has five counsellors, and five mental health advisors including one trainee volunteer counsellor.
Loughborough University has also had an increase in the number of students that are seeking mental health support in the last five years.
According to IPPR a record number of students died by suicide in 2015. Between 2007-2015 the number of student suicides increased by 79% (75 to 134).
Max Thomas was diagnosed with depression before starting university. He said, "When I came to university, it became worse"
“Living alone makes you become isolated quite easily and the isolation doesn't help with communication. I was alone a lot.”
“The stress of work can sometimes be overwhelming too, which also has had an effect on my mental health”
“I received help from uni during my first couple of weeks there. There was very little waiting time, and I got in touch with the NHS quickly, too. I have received great support with my mental health, whilst studying.”
