Experiences of university students living with mental health problems: Interrelations between the self, the social, and the school

Abstract

Interventions must be designed to address all three of these areas and their interrelations. The model can be used to guide universities in designing interventions; however, a fourth level that incorporates a university policy that values and supports student mental health, should be included.

Higher education inclusion and its dimensions: A theoretical proposal

“…In general, students perceive that there is lack of adequate support services and lecturers and staff seem underprepared to engage with them in terms of their mental health problems, and some even tend to dismiss issues arguing normal stress or laziness (Quinn et al, 2009;DiPlacito-DeRango, 2016). Besides this, the lack of opportunities to talk about mental health issues and the lack of support given by institutions leave students feeling isolated and excluded (Quinn et al, 2009;Kirsh et al, 2016).…”

“…Still, students feel reluctant to share their mental health problems at university, and normally seek help when symptoms have aggravated, mainly because there is still a lot of prejudice in relation to mental health issues (Quinn et al, 2009;DiPlacito-DeRango, 2016;Kirsh et al, 2016). In general, students perceive that there is lack of adequate support services and lecturers and staff seem underprepared to engage with them in terms of their mental health problems, and some even tend to dismiss issues arguing normal stress or laziness (Quinn et al, 2009;DiPlacito-DeRango, 2016).…”

“…In relation to the inclusion of students with mental disabilities, Higher Education access for this group has increased over the years (Quinn, Wilson, MacIntyre & Tinklin, 2009;Kirsh et al, 2016). Still, students feel reluctant to share their mental health problems at university, and normally seek help when symptoms have aggravated, mainly because there is still a lot of prejudice in relation to mental health issues (Quinn et al, 2009;DiPlacito-DeRango, 2016;Kirsh et al, 2016).…”

Navigating the intersection between professional success and severe mental illness: Success despite the odds

“…Supportive systems providing flexibility and accommodations when needed have been found to be helpful (Kirsh et al, 2015;Villotti, Corbière, Fossey, Franccaroli, Lecomte, & Harvey, 2017).…”

“…A mental illness, by definition, has a criterion of impaired level of functioning in some area of life including work or interpersonal relations (APA, 2013). Scholars have found that mental illness also affects employment rates, job tenure, income levels, and type of jobs people do (Burns et al, 2007;Carmona, Gomez-Benito, Huedo-Medina, & Rojo, 2017;Cook, 2006;Kirsh, 2000;Mechanic, Builder, & McAlpine, 2002;Williams, Fossey, Corbière, Paluch, & Harvey, 2016).…”