A disturbing trend is emerging in the United Kingdom’s higher education sector, as a growing number of university students grapple with mental health issues. According to a recent report published by the UK Parliament, the share of students with a mental health condition has skyrocketed from less than 1% in 2010-11 to 5.7% in the 2021-22 academic year.
The alarming increase has been corroborated by multiple studies. A survey conducted by the mental health charity Student Minds found that over half of respondents (57%) reported a mental health condition, with 27% receiving a formal diagnosis. Similarly, a report by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) revealed that the number of university students reporting mental health problems jumped from 6% to 16% between 2016-17 and 2022-23.
Experts point to several factors contributing to this upward trend. Financial worries, absence of emotional support, academic stress and moving away from home are all taking a toll on students’ mental well-being. The Student Minds survey found that managing money was a significant source of stress for 59% of respondents. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK have only exacerbated these concerns.
The consequences of neglecting student mental health can be severe. Many students are contemplating dropping out, with the share citing financial worries as a reason increasing from 3.5% to 8% between 2022 and 2023. This is particularly concerning, as it suggests that mental health issues are not only affecting students’ well-being but also their academic prospects.
Young people are disproportionately affected, with 34% of 18-24-year-olds experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder in 2021-22. This age group has the worst mental health across any demographic, according to the Resolution Foundation, an independent UK-based think-tank. The same report noted that individuals in their early 20s are more likely to stop working due to poor health than those in their early 40s.
The UK government and educational institutions must take immediate action to address this crisis. Providing accessible mental health support services, promoting emotional well-being, and alleviating financial pressures are critical steps towards mitigating this issue. Universities can also play a vital role by providing a supportive community and encouraging open discussions about mental health.
While the pandemic and cost of living crisis have contributed to the surge in mental health issues, the report by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and TASO suggests that these factors alone do not account for the entire increase. “Even if inflation returns to manageable levels, and even in a post-pandemic world, there is something going on that requires addressing,” the report states. As the UK struggles to cope with this growing mental health crisis, it is essential that stakeholders work together to develop effective solutions.