Over the past few years there has been veritable blizzard of articles and reports about the rise in wellbeing and mental health issues, especially among young people in higher education. Mental health and wellbeing challenges are not new phenomena, yet Generation Z is being labelled as less resilient than previous generations. Better information, social change in attitudes to mental health and wellbeing and an increase in students entering higher education must all be taken into account when explaining this rise.
Statistical reporting on this issue has become more detailed in recent years as applicants applying to university have rightly been encouraged to disclose disabilities without fear of being refused a place at their chosen institution. These data provide valuable insights into student characteristics. For example, UCAS’s report in Starting the conversation highlights that women are over two times more likely to declare a mental health condition than males, and care-experienced applicants are three times more likely. Other differences also include 21-24 year olds being three times more likely to declare, and some LGBT+ groups six times more likely. If you are a male heterosexual and young, you are the least likely to declare.
It is important to note that three-quarters of suicides nationally and within HE are males. Student Minds research highlights that 40% of males have never spoken to anyone regarding mental health, with 29% feeling too embarrassed. These findings are a likely causal factor for the high withdrawal rates of males, especially those from minority ethnic groups as highlighted in HESA data.
