Results of latest Caring Universities survey available
The Caring Universities consortium conducts a survey every year on the state of students’ mental health. Following previous surveys in 2020 and 2021, a new study was carried out in November 2022. This latest survey shows that many students still suffer from mental health problems.
The mental health of students is a high-priority issue at Leiden University, particularly in the aftermath of the corona period. Although the negative impact of the pandemic seems to be diminishing, at the end of last year there was still a large group of students who indicated via the Caring Universities questionnaire that they are struggling with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, procrastination and sleep problems.
The survey shows up a noticeable difference between various groups: female students, students who identify with alternative genders, bachelor’s students and international students report more problems than male, master’s and Dutch students. Another finding is that over half of the students who filled in the questionnaire and who did not receive support experience obstacles when seeking help: they prefer to resolve their problems themselves or they do not know where to go for support.
A caveat to the study is that the findings may not be representative for all Leiden students because only 5.2% filled in the questionnaire. The outcome may be coloured if the questionnaire was completed mainly by students who are experiencing mental health issues. Even so, Caring Universities state that the results give an indication of the problems that students experience in terms of mood, anxiety and stress. The findings can help with the development of tools, including online tools, that students can use to work on their mental health.
If you would like to know more, you can read the full report of the survey here. The next Caring Universities survey is expected to be distributed in November 2023.
User-friendly online self-help programmes: something for you?
At Caring Universities you can access free online self-help programmes to improve your well-being. Students who have followed the programmes are very positive about them. Could this be something for you too? Take a look at the Caring Universities website for the current range of programmes.
A few of the programmes are highlighted for you below:
- Achieve your goals
LifeHack is the perfect programme for everyone who wants to optimise their life. You are given practical tools to tackle your problems and work towards your goals. - Boost your self-confidence
EsteemUp helps you boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. You learn how to look at yourself differently and become happier with yourself, for example. - Sleep well
iSleep & BioClock helps you improve your sleep and tackle different kinds of sleep problems.
Student Well-being Website
Besides Caring Universities, Leiden University also offers many other kinds of support for your well-being. Take a look at the Student Well-being website. You will find tips and information for working on your well-being yourself and learn who you can contact for support.
About Caring Universities
Caring Universities is a partnership between Leiden University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Maastricht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, InHolland University of Applied Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Avans University of Applied Sciences and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. By means of an annual questionnaire and online self-help programmes, the consortium aims to understand, prevent and effectively reduce mental health problems among students.