In recent years, Gen Z’s are more aware of the topic of mental health and people are becoming more comfortable talking about it openly. As it was a taboo topic generations ago, the importance of acknowledging the topic is becoming more prevalent especially since the pandemic happened in 2020. Prioritising your child’s mental health is crucial to making sure that they are able to excel in their studies and take advantage of the opportunities available to them when studying abroad.
Mental health issues are an ongoing problem and universities are always looking for ways to improve their services for students' wellbeing. There is plenty of support available for your child should they need it. The Disability Act in the UK has stated that it is against the law to treat disabled students unfavourably, for example refusing admission to a student because of disability. It is important to note that your child should be getting continuous support and help they need to excel in their studies.
Universities recently have amped up their resources when it comes to mental wellbeing where they provide counselling and support to students who need it. For example, if a student is struggling academically, the department can create a bespoke plan to help the student catch up with the syllabus. This is why it is important for the student to communicate with their tutors if they are struggling.
There's been a recent rise in mental health concerns, especially among young adults in higher education. Increased exposure through social media has helped young people to be more understanding of their mental health, such as loneliness, stress, or behavioural concerns. Your child will experience many challenges when in university which is why it is encouraged to be open and discuss this with them before they depart. Here are some tips to navigate this:
Open Communication Before Departure - Before committing to studying abroad, have a heart-to-heart conversation with your child about their mental health and overall well-being. It is important to normalise these conversations so they can recognise their problems and reach out for support if it ever happens to them.
Focus on Support, Not Stigma - Instead of worrying if mental health issues might affect your child’s application, emphasise that support is readily available. Challenges can arise during university, and it is perfectly okay to seek help as there are many resources specifically for students facing mental health difficulties in university such as counselling.
Do:
✅ Seek firsthand experiences: Talk to friends, colleagues, or people who've been in similar situations. Their insights can be invaluable.
✅ Ask open-ended questions: Encourage detailed responses to get a well-rounded picture. Listen and understand your child’s situation considering their point of view.
✅ Verify information: Don't rely solely on hearsay. Check facts and sources for credibility.
Don't:
❌ Rely on unverified sources: Avoid rumours or unsubstantiated information, especially from online sources like WhatsApp group chats that have been forwarded many times.
❌ Overwhelm yourself: Don't get bogged down in information overload. Focus on gathering what's truly relevant to you and your child. Take a step back if it gets overwhelming.
❌ Overwhelm your child: Present information in digestible chunks, avoiding information overload. Avoid bombarding your child with questions that might come off as accusatory or overbearing.
Remember:
While preparation is important (as the saying goes, ‘one can never be too prepared’), don't let excessive information gathering create stress for you or your child. Be tactful when sharing information, especially helpful advice. Frame it as guidance, not pressure.