When Imogen arrived at the University of Nottingham in September 2022, she held a letter for student wellbeing services. It was a desperate request for help written by her former head of year. Imogen struggled with anxiety and self-harm in her teenage years. Today, after being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, she feels let down by the university. Despite seeking help through referrals for counselling, her experience worsened. “I felt like I was being tossed between services. No one wanted me, and no one could help,” she explains.
Another student at Nottingham, Leacsaidh, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), describes the services as too uniform. She recalls being simply handed website links when seeking help for self-harm.
The University of Nottingham isn’t unique; mental health support in many British universities faces criticism. Jana, an international student at King’s College London (KCL), found navigating the system painful. After being diagnosed with anxiety, her requests for deadline extensions were delayed due to administrative errors.
With more young people reporting mental health issues—a trend that has been rising significantly—these challenges are becoming more pronounced. Between 2013 and 2023, the number of students declaring mental health conditions nearly quadrupled. In 2023 alone, over 122,000 students in the UK reported such concerns, primarily undergraduates, with women making up the majority.
This surge in mental health challenges often coincides with late adolescence. Dr. Sandi Mann, a psychology lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, calls this a “peak age” for mental health problems. “Young adults face academic pressure, independence, and part-time work—all at the same time,” she notes.
Yet not everyone sees increased discussions about mental health as entirely positive. Some experts argue that society is pathologizing normal experiences. Ben Locke, a psychologist in the U.S., expresses concern that mental health assessments might lead to more people being categorized as needing professional help unnecessarily.
Dr. Sarah Sweeney, head of student support at Lancaster University, believes that talking about mental health helps reduce stigma. However, she admits more education is needed to clarify when a challenge becomes a diagnosed issue.
The main contact for students reporting mental health struggles is often their personal tutor, who may not have real training in mental health. Many academics say they feel unprepared to handle mental crises. One anonymous lecturer at the University of Manchester mentions that personal tutors often rely on a generic handbook of questions to guide their conversations.
Coordination remains a significant hurdle in mental health support within universities. A complex web of services can leave students lost. After approaching personal tutors, many are referred to wellbeing teams, which can assess their needs. However, navigating these steps can feel overwhelming. Dr. Mann points out that even mental health professionals can struggle to direct students to appropriate help.
In recent years, universities have increased their spending on mental health services due to growing demand. Research indicates spending has risen by 73% among 72 UK universities over the last five years. Yet, half of these institutions expect financial deficits. “Student services need adequate resources to be effective,” stresses Dr. Sweeney.
The role of universities in student mental health is hotly debated. While some argue that students, as adults, should manage their own issues, many educators feel a moral obligation to offer support. The tragic case of Natasha Abrahart, who took her life in 2018, underscores the need for focused mental health strategies within educational institutions. Following her death, a court found the University of Bristol failed to provide necessary support, raising questions about universities’ duty of care.
Student suicide rates are generally lower than in the broader population. From 2016 to 2020, 319 student suicides were recorded. However, many agree that more preventive measures are required. Bob Abrahart, Natasha’s father, advocates for a legal obligation for universities to protect their students.
Despite the rising recognition of mental health issues, students like Imogen still feel disappointed by their institutions. “I wish I could say everything was great at my university. But I can’t,” she reflects.
As we move towards a more supportive educational environment, it’s crucial to find the balance between fostering resilience in young adults while providing robust mental health resources.
For more details, you can visit the Mental Health Foundation for reliable information.
