Citation

Duffy A. Can. J. Psychiatry 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

10.1177/07067437231183747

PMID

37394736

Abstract

The opportunity: The transition to university marks a critical period for psychological, sociological, and biological development. This is a time when many young people leave home, take on more responsibility for their lifestyle choices (i.e., substance use, sleep schedule) and time management, make new friends, and learn about themselves in a broader sociocultural context; all whilst adjusting to a new learning environment and striving to meet higher education standards.1 At the same time, the brain is undergoing accelerated growth and development, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for making good decisions with a full appreciation of the context and consequences, remains very much a work in progress.2 Entry to university also coincides with the peak period of risk for the onset of mental disorders and addictions, which if unrecognized and untreated, can lead to persistent and refractory illness, comorbidity, school drop-out, diminished quality of life, and reduced life expectancy3 Taken together, higher education provides an important window of opportunity to support young people in developing healthy socioemotional coping resources and to identify and treat emergent mental disorders, helping young people to reach their full potential and laying a foundation to support well-being lifelong.4

The challenge: Compared to any previous generation, young people now (especially females) are more likely to suffer from common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression and engage in self-harm.5,6 As universities increase enrolment in terms of the total numbers and diversity of students, the population increasingly resembles the general population of young people. For example, increases in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have been documented in university students in the UK, mirroring similar trends in the general population.7 Taken together with efforts to destigmatize mental health, it is therefore not surprising that universities are experiencing an unprecedented increased demand for student mental health support and learning accommodations related to mental health conditions, outpacing increases in enrolment and straining university resources

Language: en

Keywords

prevention; mental health; suicide; university student; common mental disorders; early intervention