MENTAL HEALTH problems for students are becoming increasingly common, with academic, family, social and financial worries being sources of stress, but a new report suggests that students feel the stigma attached to mental ill-health prevents them from going to campus support services. NUS Scotland surveyed over 80 students and 10 staff individuals across the country after the 2010 Silently Stressed report revealed high levels of stress in students.

The 2011 report Breaking the Silence took a deeper look into the statistics from 1,872 students last year and found a worrying reluctance from students to seek professional support for mental health issues. Silently Stressed reported that 70 per cent of students had financial stress, 50 per cent had stress from balancing a job with studies and 86 per cent of fourth year students were struggling with pressure about their futures. Despite this, less than 20 per cent were willing to approach support services and over 80 per cent reported that the stigma attached to mental health issues would stop them from seeking help. Sheila Williams, director of the Student Disability Service of the University of Edinburgh, responded to the report.

She told The Student, “The numbers of students receiving support from both [the] Student Disability Service and the Student Counselling Service - has increased significantly, by over 40%, since both services moved into the Main Library.

“The number of students disclosing mental health issues on application is increasing year on year and has more than tripled in the period from 2006 - 2009. Numbers disclosing mental health issues in academic year 2010-11 increased yet further by 44% from the previous year.”

In Breaking the Silence students said that mental health is heavily stigmatised and there is a need to move towards the use of positive terminology. The report also highlighted that the way support services is promoted on campus is often unhelpful.

The report suggests that institutions should have a range of support options, which have varying levels of formality, and that these should be promoted in more personal and direct interactions.

The University of Edinburgh made clear that it already attempts to make stringent efforts to promote its mental health services.

Williams told The Student, “A range of information and marketing materials are distributed to the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA), the Advice Place and to all Schools and Support Services.

“We also participate in many University events - open days, internal staff training and staff induction.

“We are also working closely with relevant student societies, including the Student Disability and Mental Wellbeing Action Group.” NUS Scotland recommended that “in the face of pressure to cut budgets colleges and universities do not reduce counselling services in order to save money.

“Student mental health is an area that continues to require further investment and development and is an area which institutions must recognise as an area of priority.”