Thriving Learners is one of the largest and most significant studies of student mental health that has taken place in the UK. This first-year study by the Mental Health Foundation focuses on universities to illustrate the challenges and inequalities faced by students across Scotland and recommendations for improvement.
Almost 75% of severe mental health problems emerge before the age of 24 and in Scotland they affect 1 in 4 of those aged 16 to 24.
For many students, the exciting new experiences university offers, also brings new challenges for them to navigate, in many cases without their immediate support network.
This is often further compounded by increased academic pressures, and for some, the considerable stress associated with financing their studies. As a result, it is estimated that 40% of higher education students experience a mental health problem during their first year of study and over 70% reported concerns about their mental.
The number of students in higher education experiencing mental health problems has doubled since 2014/2015, and between 2007 and 2015, the number of student suicides also increased by 79 per cent.