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Student Minds respond to recent articles about student mental health and universities

8/11/2017

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We are aware of a number of articles in circulation relating to a university professor and their email to students about alcohol and studying. 

We really value the topic of student mental health being discussed in the press and have seen how important this can be in promoting positive and supportive messages. Unfortunately, a couple of articles released this week have added to a long list of pieces from particular media outlets which have sought to wrongly demonize students, academics and universities. These articles do not show the full picture and are trying to divide the Higher Education community. 

It is legitimate for the community to have collaborative conversations about what is expected from students undergoing a degree. It’s also vital that we listen and respond to students who are raising concerns about the range of pressures that they experience. Students deserve to have a voice about these competing demands, from financial pressures to balancing part-time work with study, and anticipating the competitive job market. 

Students are right to encourage each other to prioritise their health alongside balancing a fulfilling course of study that is right for them. A number of students can become isolated, which is a risk factor to developing mental illness. We need to encourage students to build the necessary support networks and friendships with which to thrive at university, as well as encouraging positive interactions between academics and students. Ultimately, if we support one another to create academic communities where students can thrive this will be good for retention, student satisfaction and academic outcomes. 

Student Minds works with students, academics and a range of university support staff and we know that this whole community is working to critically engage with the issues surrounding mental health and alcohol productively. A range of programmes are underway across the UK to improve mental health literacy and the range of support across institutions. 

Some articles that are currently circulating are doing a disservice to all involved and have lost the nuance of this issue. We strongly criticise the narrative of these articles, which promote offensive attitudes about mental health. As a society we need to acknowledge this is a complex issue needing structural change.

We welcome more nuanced articles about student mental health in the media and will happily speak to journalists wanting to change this outdated narrative and help transform the state of student mental health.

For further information about support available to university students at university please visit our website here.

For our press hub and press guidelines visit our website here.
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  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Thrive
        • 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 >
      • University Mental Health Day
      • 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
    • Charter >
      • Charter - Sustainable Future
      • Creating the Charter
      • Charter - Student Panel
      • Charter - FAQs
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Look After Your Members Online
    • Accommodation Providers
    • Research
  • News and Publications
    • 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
  • 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