It is no surprise that the past couple of years have strained staff and student mental health on campuses across the globe. The Covid-19 pandemic changed campus life and collegiate recovery in many ways, including further isolating programs and straining resources. Research across many academic settings and institutions has found that overall, mental health is worsening on campus. Importantly, ARHE members noted in our last member survey that the overall observed mental health of CRP students and staff are generally worse than before.
Since the health crisis that traumatized the world and still impacts many individuals and communities today, has put a strain on systems globally, on our own campuses, and on our mental health, what can we do about it?
What are some practical ways to Increase Mental Health and Wellness?
The collegiate recovery field is all about action. So many of our members have stepped up as needs arise to build support on campuses across the globe. Today, we can show up and continue to prioritize student and staff mental health. Not just as a response to our latest member survey, but because everyone can benefit from taking the time to focus on mental health.
According to a recent article by the American Psychological Association, campuses are rethinking their approach to addressing the mental health crisis.[i] While the strains of Covid-19 and worsening mental health on campus is apparent, there are ways that campuses are addressing this. There is hope!
The University of Michigan Student Life University Health Service put together an excellent list of Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health.
Big Moods also put together a list of helpful coping strategies and techniques that can help boost mental health. A couple ideas they talk about include physical health and wellness, strengthening social support, volunteering and being of service, learning practical stress-reduction techniques and reaching out for help when needed.
What’s Working for You?
What are some of the ways that your CRP or CRC is prioritizing student and staff mental health? We’d love to hear from you and feature your tips and strategies in upcoming ARHE communications. If you’d like to share what’s working on your campus, please reach out to [email protected] and share. In these trying times, ones that are both full of stress and possibility, we can all learn from each other about what works.
ARHE is also exploring hosting a learning series or discussion on Collegiate Recovery Post-Covid, an opportunity to share lessons learned, ask questions, and learn from each other. If you are interested in participating, send us a message today at [email protected].
[i] Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care.