The ‘mental health crisis’ in UK universities: how do we tackle it?

Students in the UK are taking their own lives at a record rate. Why is this happening and how should universities improve their services?

‘Those mentally ill are not receiving enough support, amid increasing vulnerability and new pressure away from home.’ (Credit: UBC Learning Commons)

At least 95 students took their own lives in the UK last year and universities are inundated with students seeking help for mental illnesses.

Recent reports suggest students are left vulnerable by the lack of a unified approach from universities, the NHS and the government and there needs to be a clearer plan in order to treat mental illnesses more effectively.

This is key, given that students are 20% more likely to be unhappy than the UK population as a whole.

So what can universities, as the first port of call for many students in need, do to make a difference?

Where are universities currently going wrong?

What are some universities doing to tackle the problem?
What does Cardiff University offer students in need of help?