Can More Be Done For Students Struggling With Their Health?

Health is one of the most important things we have. For students who are establishing their place in the world and making a name for themselves, overall health and mental health seem to be on a consistent decline. With the cost of living crisis, student loans are not covering the necessary fees that inflation has spaced on essentials, and waiting lists for mental health support from universities are getting longer and longer. 

A survey done by Student Minds recorded that 57% of students reported they had experienced mental health issues. This ultimately has knock-on effects on the overall well-being and health of students. With such worrying levels of poor health and minimal support being readily available for students, the question of what can be done for students struggling with their health has many layers to it that require immediate action. 

Higher rates of mental health 

Since the covid pandemic, it was recorded that almost two-thirds of students reported their mental health got worse as a result of the pandemic. As much as this extensional factor was completely unexpected, the aftermath and poor treatments of worried university students ultimately lead to the fast decline of mental health amongst the population of students. Whilst universities offered and continue to offer counseling as required practice, the lack of staff and funding that is available to adequately offer immediate counseling to students is concerning. 

Higher cost of living to support healthy living 

Students are struggling to afford the basics of living such as nutritious food and medicine when required. Although the student loan and maintenance loan is there to support students, the government's reluctance to revise the proposed loans and offer loans that are more accurate in cohesion with inflation and the cost of living mean that students are budgeting to the max, and swapping their revision for working long part-time shifts to keep them afloat. Health in other areas such as visiting their MK dental practice is also being put on hold, as students are having to choose between having a meal or paying for essential routine checkups.

What are the knock-on effects for students? 

Whilst the higher rate of mental health and cost of living crisis is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many knock-on effects that students are facing as their health declines:

More students considering dropping out

Due to the financial stress and the pressures of performing well in university with little support, many more students are dropping out of university than were doing so years prior. This is a huge concern for universities and students alike, yet there are not enough actionable steps being taken to support students when edging towards the conclusion of dropping out.

Slower progression and academic drive 

Students who may have been motivated before they attended university are finding themselves to be much more demotivated and achieving little progression throughout their degrees. Mental health especially is deterring students from seeing their future as bright, and instead, they face anxiety and stress over immediate problems. In many cases, this is stopping students from completing years of their studies, and when advised to retake the year, students have been dropping out altogether.

Less engagement with university activities 

Universities should be a time for meeting a few friends, finding a community and experiencing the freedom that comes with being a university student. Due to the cost of living, students are feeling embarrassed about not being able to go out with peers that may have more financial support from their families. Mental health is also having a knock-on effect on students' motivation to go out and socialize with others.

Feeling unheard and unsupported 

Many students have reported feeling unsupported and unheard after relaying their problems and concerns to the university. Whether students are struggling with the workload or having family problems which are interfering with their day-to-day running, students feel as though there is a lack of helpful communication and understanding coming from their universities.

What can be done?

There are so many improvements that need to be made by the governments, the universities, and also by students who are afraid to speak up about their struggles.

Faster waiting times for counseling 

Students are waiting months for counseling support from some universities due to the lack of staff to facilitate the demand for help. Students who are struggling with their mental health should feel listened to, as well as offered actionable support to begin improving their mental health. Governments are supporting university students, however, the waiting times and minimal face-to-face appointments that are readily available need improving.

Higher funding aligned with the cost of living crisis

As mentioned, students who hope to afford the essentials as well as enjoy their time as students are taking on excessive hours at part-time jobs to find themselves. Whilst the student loan and maintenance loans have always been a support for students, revisions must be made by the governments to align with the rates of inflation and allow students to have more time for studying and not have to worry about how they will afford their next meal.

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Amy Jones is a freelance health and wellness writer from Manchester UK. She loves researching and writing about health topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news, and eco-friendly brands. Her passion for health and wellness stems from her innate desire to educate people on how to properly take care of their bodies, spot any early signs of illness and take the best preventative methods. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog, listening to groundbreaking podcasts or browsing her nearest bookstore.