1. A resource for academic staff in Higher Education
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

2. Aims To understand the relationship we all have with mental health
To raise awareness in order to help protect positive mental health
To consider role related responsibilities in supporting student mental health 2
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

3. Responsibilities Duty of Care to support students’ mental health
Equality Act 2010
Disabled students not disadvantaged
The anticipatory duty
Reasonable adjustments made
Promote equality
Health and Safety
Responsibility to identify hazards and limit risk 3
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

4. Supporting Student Mental Health
A three dimensions model
Promote
Prevent
Support 4
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

5. Acting to Support Mental Health
Promote: Act to increase capability
What helps people to stay well?
Prevent: Act when problems likely
Anticipate, early intervention, prevention, information
Support: Act when problems occur
Services, support, recovery, inclusion, avoidance
of discrimination 5
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

6. Diagnosis of Mental Illness
The Mental Health Continuum
Flourishing
Mental
Well-being
Has a diagnosis of serious mental health problem but copes with life well and has positive mental health
No diagnosable illness or disorder and positive mental health
Diagnosis of Mental Illness No
Mental
Illness
Has a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem and poor mental health
No diagnosable illness or disorder but poor mental health
Poor Mental
Well-being 6
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

7. Mental Health Problems
‘Mental health problems range from
the worries and grief we all experience
as part of everyday life, to the most bleak,
suicidal depression or complete loss
of touch with everyday reality.’
Mental Health Foundation 7
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

8. Who Needs Support
Students who have disclosed a pre-existing mental health problem
Students who may experience distress or develop a problem during their course 8
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

9. Students Students with severe and enduring mental health problems
Students with other mental health problems
Students with no obvious problems but subject to risk factors 9
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

10. Key Facts 1 in 5 adults at any one time have a mental health problem
2 people per day die by suicide in Scotland
High proportion of suicides are young men
Young people are at higher risk of self harm
Some problems first appear in young adults
Higher education is stressful 10
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

11. Risk Factors to Students’
Mental Health
Demands and Role Control Support Relationships Change Lifestyle Previous mental health problems 11
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

12. Confidentiality Know your professional duty
Let student know limits of confidentiality
Act with discretion
Concerned parents
Personal information must not be given out
except in circumstances of significant risk of suicide or self harm, and then only if authorised by Head of School
Get student’s consent if possible
Refer to other services where appropriate 12
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

13. Be Aware of Your Role Be realistic about what you can do
Is it appropriate to your role?
Have you got the relevant expertise?
Have you got the time?
If not you then refer on
Know what services are available
Ask for help if unsure 13
A resource for academic staff in Higher Education STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH