Research / Reports / White Papers
38,000 Students were asked about their mental health by The Insight Network and Digin Box
Half of those who took part (50.3%) suffer with thoughts of self-harm, twice as high as 2017.
1 in 10 (9.4%) think of self-harm often or always
More than 4 out of 10 (44.7%) admitted using drugs and alcohol to cope with their problems
1 in 10 (9.5%) said they did this often or always
1 in 3 (33.9%) has experienced a serious psychological issue for which they needed professional help, which has increased by almost 1% since 2017
High levels of anxiety – 42.8% often or always worried
Almost 9 in 10 (87.7) % struggled with feelings of anxiety – up 18.7% since 2017
One third (33%) suffering from loneliness often or all the time.
More than 1 in 5 (21.5%) said they had a mental health diagnosis ; Depression (10.2%) and Anxiety (8.4%) Disorders
Stigma persists ; more than 3/4 (75.6%) concealing their symptoms from friends
We also flagged up vulnerable groups; 2nd & 3rd years ‘significantly higher risk’ than freshers
Highest rates of anxiety, loneliness and substance misuse
Persistent thoughts of self-harm were are highest among 2nd year students
Dr Stephen Pereira, Consultant Psychiatrist & Lead Director said:
‘More research is needed to understand the specific risk and protection factors at play during different years of University, in order for support services to effectively meet these year specific demands.
For further commentary see the press-release here