Mental health problems rise for students

RISING levels of debt and fewer job opportunities are fuelling a rise in mental health problems among students, it has been warned.

A report published by The Royal College of Psychiatrists called for more investment in mental health support at universities amid concern that many students may be missing out on the help they need.

The report found students can be more vulnerable than other young people, with the difficulty of adapting to being away from home and “significant peer pressure” to misuse alcohol and drugs likely to affect their health.

It also warns of increasing financial pressures and anxieties about the shrinking job market, with those who have experienced mental health problems likely to be at an “added disadvantage” when applying for positions.

Dr John Callender, a consultant psychiatrist with NHS Grampian and chair of the working group behind the report, said: “The demand for counselling and mental health services continues to rise. Although there are some excellent support services for students across the country, in many universities provision has not kept pace with expanding student numbers, leaving existing services overstretched.”