Mental health crisis at universities uncovered as wellbeing reports triple in recent years

An estimated 300,000 students are facing mental health struggles across the UK, a new study has found, with rates tripling since 2017. 

A joint report by the Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King’s College London has found that nearly one-fifth of students reported a mental health issue in 2024. 

Mental health reports have seen a staggering rise, with only 6% of students reporting mental health challenges as recently as 2017. 

The study outlines that the highest rates of mental health issues were reported by those who identify as part of the LGBTQUA+ community, with reports amongst lesbian women and gay men rising at three times the rate of straight people

The study outlines that the highest rates of mental health issues were reported by those who identify as part of the LGBTQUA+ community, with reports amongst lesbian women and gay men rising at three times the rate of straight people. Issues for trans students also increased from 25% in 2023, to 40% in 2024. 

The Covid-19 pandemic also significantly impacted on university students’ mental health, the study found. 

Disrupted education and social distancing measures added to the additional stresses of university life, leading to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness.

A study by Student Minds uncovered that 74% of students found that the Covid-19 pandemic had a negative effect on their mental health at university. 

Following an article by The Boar in November 2024 regarding suicide rates at the University, Warwick has made a stronger, active effort to commit to student wellbeing

However, various studies equally suggest that the environment of university life, and the stresses of these transitions in students also provoke the appearance of mental health difficulties. 

Work pressure, loneliness, and monetary troubles are all suggested to contribute to mental health stresses.

Following an article by The Boar in November 2024 regarding suicide rates at the University, Warwick has made a stronger, active effort to commit to student wellbeing.

The University hopes to launch a planned review of the personal tutor system at Warwick as part of the new Education and Student Experience Strategy, ensuring academic support matches the mental health needs of students. 

In a public statement on the MyWarwick page, David Lees, Dean of Students, and Andy Smith, Director of Wellbeing and Safeguarding, asked for students to come forward to share their feedback on the personal tutor system, stating: “We will remain committed to continuing to identify ways of improving and strengthening our process further”. 

Lees and Smith further stated: “At Warwick we care deeply about student wellbeing and making sure the best possible support is available for anyone in need”. 

The student-led society, Warwick Mind Aware, has also made pioneering efforts to make mental health resources accessible to all students

The University of Warwick already offers thorough mental health support for students in need. The Wellbeing and Student Support team, based in Senate House, run a multitude of support groups, both for individual counselling and group-based therapy. 

Similarly, the University of Warwick Health Centre, based on campus, offers a comprehensive list of signals on their website that could suggest ongoing mental health symptoms, both for the individual and their friends.

The student-led society, Warwick Mind Aware, has also made pioneering efforts to make mental health resources accessible to all students.

Granted a fee-exemption by the Warwick Students’ Union, Warwick Mind Aware offers regular mindfulness and meditation sessions, alongside mental health information talks in collaboration with other societies.

Mind Aware, alongside Warwick Suicide Awareness and Support Society, publish regular content on mental health issues, giving an informal outlet for students to share their issues.

As the University of Warwick aims to directly help students with their mental health challenges, these statistics offer an important insight into the various struggles facing students throughout the country.

While it is uncertain whether this is due to a rise in mental health rates alone or an increase of student engagement in mental health resources, much more still needs to be achieved in ensuring mental health provisions are strong enough to maintain student wellbeing.