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Grand Challenges

Grand Challenges in Student Mental Health

The 2011 report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists drew attention to the fact that university students are at particular risk of developing mental health problems, and face specific challenges in accessing appropriate support. Research has estimated that around 29% of students experience mental distress, however there is considerable variability in prevalence statistics.

About Grand Challenges

This research project was designed as a first step to begin to understand where efforts to improve the state of student mental health might be directed. By asking current and recent university students, along with university staff (including mental health advisors, university counsellors and academic teaching staff) several key challenges facing student mental health were identified.

Thematic analysis was used to identify 13 themes:
  •    Academic pressure and concerns about future employability.
  •    Study skills and support.
  •    The university academic environment.
  •    Life skills and personal development.
  •    Accessing support through the NHS.
  •    Accessing support in general.
  •    Structures for pastoral support and mentoring.
  •    Managing the transition to university.
  •    University lifestyle.
  •    relationships.  
  •    Coordinating responsibility for student mental health and wellbeing.
  •    Campaign messages and public attitudes.
  •    International students. ​

Download the full report

Download the summary

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  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Help through Coronavirus >
      • Coronavirus - Looking After Your Mental Health
      • Coronavirus - Student resources >
        • Assessments and exams from home ​
        • Managing digital communication
      • Student Space FAQs
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • Student Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Write for us
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
    • University staff >
      • Mental Health in Sport >
        • Mental Health in Sport Online
      • Look After Your Mate >
        • Look After Your Mate Online
      • Setting up a peer support group >
        • Students Minds peer support set up
        • Peer support Train the Trainer
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Look After Your Members Online
    • Accommodation Providers
    • Research
  • Information Hub
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Co-production Guide
      • The Role of an Academic
      • LGBTQ+ Research​
      • Student Voices
      • Graduate Wellbeing
      • Student Living
      • Grand Challenges
      • University Peer Support
      • University Challenge
      • Looking After a Mate
      • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
    • Materials and resources
    • National campaigns >
      • Previous campaigns
  • Charter
    • Charter - Sustainable Future
    • Creating the Charter
    • Charter - Student Panel
    • Charter - FAQs
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Online shopping
      • Payroll giving
    • Fundraise >
      • Summer Fundraising
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • RAGs and Student Societies
      • Celebrate with Student Minds
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners