Let’s talk mental health: the importance of supporting young people

Wellness is an important part of a student’s ability to complete their university degree. The development of key coping skills enhances their academic experience and increases the likelihood that they will achieve sustainable success after graduation. Research shows mental health has a direct effect on academic performance.

Studies have also proven that early intervention is a key predictor of whether these issues will have long-term consequences for young people. Not only do mental health challenges limit academic achievement, but if left unaddressed, these issues will have a profound effect on one’s career.

By the age of 24, three out of four individuals will experience a mental health or wellness challenge. Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged between 15 and 34. That means university students are at a high risk for needing to cope with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more. The prevalence of youth mental health disorders means students’ access to personalised support will be an essential part of their university journey.

The gaps in mental health support 

With increasing awareness around mental health, there has been some positive progress made around reducing stigma and elevating care. However, university students continue to deal with significant barriers to wellness, including the fear of being judged for presenting with mental health concerns. Around the world, mental health remains a taboo topic, and each family, culture and community deals with wellness in different ways. How parents and educators discuss mental health affects how comfortable a student will be in seeking the support they need, when they need it. By removing cognitive barriers to help, universities can intervene earlier and enhance students’ long-term outcomes.

Considering that students with mental health concerns are twice as likely to drop out of university, parents and educational leaders need to recognise that inclusive approaches to wellness are critical to their teen’s success. All of us have a responsibility to equip our young people with the ability and confidence to identify and articulate when they need help. We also need to ensure that when an individual seeks support, they have immediate access to the diagnostic and therapeutic initiatives that align with their particular circumstances.

“The mission of my department is to provide comprehensive support to all students, ensuring their well-being and helping them achieve their individualised goals,” explains Heidi Braaksma, director of wellness services at Huron University. “A meaningful mental health strategy is built on several core values, which include responsiveness (early identification, easy access and benchmarks for measuring progress), inclusion, innovation and accountability.”

International students deserve mental health supports that meet their unique needs

International students are uniquely affected by mental health challenges. This is unsurprising because they are dealing with leaving their home country, engaging in a new culture, encountering linguistic barriers and more. These compounding factors increase the likelihood that international students may require wellness support and, potentially, mental health intervention. It is important that international students, their parents and school counsellors are well versed in which resources are available at their future university. The right place for young leaders will be an institution that recognises that innovative mental health support is essential for student retention and success.

Universities that take their responsibility seriously in caring for the whole student – mind, body and wellness – put student mental health at the centre of their strategic plans. They use innovative and compassionate approaches that prioritise accessibility and confidentiality. From online self-identification tools to virtual resilience building, at the right university, international students will have access to comprehensive support that transcends geographical and cultural barriers. Better still, they will be able to pair these self-guided approaches with one-to-one counselling and individualised care plans.

Progress in mental health and wellness cannot occur in isolation

Years ago, mental health intervention was reserved for emergency situations. Now, the world’s top universities are taking a much more proactive and less invasive approach to student wellness. Leaders in the areas of holistic student success are aligning with provincial and national standards. They are expanding their services to consider all aspects of student life, rather than just academic stressors. Importantly, they are also championing the prioritisation of wellness all year round and in collaboration with multiple departments across campus.

“Our role is to engage early and meaningfully with our students,” shares Heidi Braaksma. “At Huron, student mental health is a shared responsibility. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, our university aims to ensure that every individual feels welcome, valued, and encouraged to flourish in their overall well-being.” 

Help your students choose a university that will protect and uplift them, in every aspect of their life 

When deciding which universities to promote to your students, consider the following: 

1. Does the institution emphasise the importance of student wellness across all of its platforms?
2. Does the university offer both virtual and in-person options for mental health intervention and one-to-one support?
3. Are you able to easily find references to activities that encourage mental and physical wellness, such as yoga, mindfulness programming or resilience building?
4. Who participates in student wellness? Is it relegated to only one department or are student leaders, faculty and staff all responsible for creating safe, comfortable and inclusive spaces?
5. Are students actively involved in creating and leading wellness programming to ensure it is representative of their lived experiences?
6. Does the school recognise and offer support that honours international students’ unique needs?  

If a university undervalues the critical role that wellness plays in student success, it may not equip students with everything they need to obtain the career of their dreams. For students who are seeking a university that understands the importance of holistic educational support, Huron University is the right place for high achievers who want to be fully prepared for a lifetime of success.

Learn more about Huron’s unique approach to student wellness and one-to-one support services here.

About Huron University

Established in 1863, Huron is the founding institution of Western University and one of Canada’s oldest universities. Huron is located in London, Ontario, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, just two hours by train or car from Toronto.

Huron’s distinctive liberal arts, business and ethics-based programmes prepare students for leadership and professional success, while also developing their character. Class sizes are small and taught by tenured professors, and learning is collaborative, with a discussion-based approach. Huron is home to hundreds of international students, and is a national leader in offering merit-based scholarships.

Huron’s affiliation with Western University gives students all the benefits of a supportive, close-knit campus with ample residence space, plus all the amenities one would expect from a world-renowned institution. Being affiliated with one of Canada’s largest and most respected research universities means that students are visible and valued at Huron, while having full access to Western’s many clubs, courses and events. Huron students graduate with a Western degree.