[GUEST] Mental Wellness on Campus: A New Era of Student Support

In today's rapidly evolving academic landscape, the well-being of students, especially mental well-being, has emerged as a critical concern. With mounting expectations and pressures, the need for effective counselling and therapy services on university campuses has never been more critical. However, determining the most effective counselling modality for students and creating a supportive environment that encourages them to seek assistance when needed remains challenging even in this fast-paced world.

(Source: Evolution Mental Health Services)

This featurette article delves into the varied world of student counselling approaches, ranging from peer support to university and professional therapy, to investigate their effectiveness and to identify strategies for overcoming the barriers that often impede students from seeking the mental and emotional help they want and need.

There are various counselling options available to university students, each with its unique approach and advantages.

One popular choice, particularly in private universities, is peer counselling, where trained fellow students offer emotional support and access to resources. At the heart of peer counselling is the profound belief that sometimes, students need someone their age who "gets it."

Peer counselling programs train students to provide support, understanding, and basic counselling skills to their fellow mates. This approach offers a more relatable touchpoint, as peer counsellors often understand firsthand the pressures and challenges unique to university life. According to Josiah Hoong, a final year psychology student as well as the president of Peer Counselling at Taylor’s University, "Peer Counseling is a student program where selected students are taught counselling skills. What sets this apart is that we share a commonality with the clients, who are university students of the same age as us. For certain issues and topics, it is easier for us to understand and provide the necessary help."

During my conversation with Josiah, we discussed his leadership styles and goals for the peer counselling programs. He emphasised the importance of implementing peer counselling in all universities, stating that "it creates a bridge for students to seek help and build confidence."

He also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health in Asia, which makes many students reluctant to seek counselling. During our conversation about funding limitations for student programs, he emphasised the importance of not only having funds but also the willingness of peer counsellors to reach out to students in need creatively. His optimistic outlook on mental health awareness was inspiring as he expressed his desire for a world where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles as openly as they do physical pain. It is evident that he is sincerely dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and supporting student programs.

University counselling can be an excellent option for students struggling to adjust to university life. It involves meeting with a licensed counsellor who can provide specialised support. According to Ms. Aswin Kaur, a university counsellor at Taylor’s University, university counselling is a safe and confidential space where students can explore their thoughts and feelings at no cost. She believes students should utilize this service to its fullest extent and take advantage of its convenience and free accessibility.

Ms. Aswin also stated that the university counselling centre helps break the stigma surrounding mental health. The centre conducts workshops and orientations to raise awareness among both parents and students. Ms. Aswin firmly believes that spreading awareness is the key to helping students who may be struggling.

She also suggests that those who are hesitant to seek counselling should give it a try, just like trying out new food. Counselling is an experience that can help one heal and explore new depths to become a better version of oneself. Ms. Aswin emphasises that mental health should be equally important to physical health, and students should prioritize their mental well-being. She suggests peer counselling as a starting point for those still hesitant to join counselling. This can help create a bridge for reluctant students to take the first step toward seeking help.

Seeking counselling can be a daunting task for some students due to various reasons like cost, stigma, and fear. However, there are several ways to make them comfortable with the idea.

One such way is to highlight the benefits of counselling positively and non-judgmentally. Ms. Christine Gabriel, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and part-time psychology lecturer at Taylor’s University, suggests treating the process of finding a counsellor like hiring an employee. She advises students to interview several counsellors to find the right match.

During her career as a professional therapist, Ms. Christine encountered several clients who were facing difficulties in settling into university life, managing their academics and relationships, and balancing them with each other. She also believes that while peer counselling programs can act as a bridge for students who are hesitant to get counselling, they have certain limitations as they are not licensed for counselling.

Besides that, she also points out the issues and limitations of counselling in general. According to her, "Private universities with a diverse culture of international students often pose a challenge for counsellors to understand their issues. This could be due to cultural or geographical differences, or even the gender difference." She believes professional counsellors with years of experience working in the field are best suited to provide high-quality counselling. However, this level of expertise comes at a significant cost. Alternatively, when it comes to students seeking counselling, university counselling services are often sufficient. Not only are these services free of charge, but they are also convenient, as there is no need to travel to meet with a counsellor.

The landscape of mental health care for university students is ever-evolving and rich in diversity and depth. Whether it's the camaraderie of peer counselling, the specialised, student-centric approach of university counselling centres, or the nuanced care provided by professional therapists, a range of options are designed to meet varied individual needs. These multiple avenues offer students the opportunity to engage in a therapeutic journey that resonates with them, thereby maximizing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Yet, even with such a buffet of resources, the challenge often lies in overcoming the initial hesitation to seek help. Strategies to combat this reluctance are manifold. According to Ms. Christine, universities can launch educational campaigns to demystify therapy, breaking down stereotypes and stigmas that may hold students back. Secondly, Ms. Aswin also suggests that regular initiatives such as workshops and seminars can provide a non-threatening introduction to mental health support. These platforms would allow students to engage with mental wellness concepts in a less intimidating manner, thus laying the groundwork for future therapeutic interactions.

Ultimately, taking care of mental health is a responsibility beyond therapy. It involves the values of educational institutions, the perspectives of students, and the views of society as a whole. Establishing a culture that highlights mental health as a crucial part of overall well-being benefits individuals and has a positive impact on the entire community.

By promoting acceptance, resilience, and support, we can ensure that mental health care is not only accessible but also sought after, creating a healthier and more comprehensive educational experience for everyone involved.

To determine 'what kind of counselling works best,' perhaps the most vital question is: How can we continue to listen, learn, and adapt our approaches to ensure that every student's unique needs are met on their journey toward success and well-being?

This guest feature article is contributed by Saad Ali Siddiqui, a Year 1 Bachelor of Mass Communication (Honours) student from the Media Writing module at the School of Media and Communication, Taylor’s University.