Solutions
Mental Health Literacy
Learning about the determinants of well-being and mental health in a format tailored to higher education students may be an effective way to promote healthy coping and timely support seeking when needed. In collaboration with Queen’s Course Development Unit, Dr. Anne Duffy developed an accredited single semester course offered as a first year interdisciplinary undergraduate elective. The course takes a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health and well-being. Topics covered in the course include the importance of sleep and self-regulation, the developing brain and substance use, striking a health study-life balance through recreation and social connection, and the importance early warning signs and appropriate help seeking. The course has been well-received by students and evidence supports improved emotional self-awareness, knowledge and reduction in stigma. Over the longer-term, we will evaluate the impact of this student-tailored mental health literacy course on lifestyle, mental health and overall well-being. Various versions of the course are currently being developed, adapted, and evaluated for different learner audiences, including universities in the UK and Canada in both English and French.
Student Well-Being Digital Tools
Higher education students are very familiar with digital platforms and resources. In person visits during regular working hours can be a challenge for students’ schedules. Digital solutions can provide self-guided support, facilitate navigation and access to resources and support customized to individual student need. We are working with students, student wellness providers, and campus stakeholders in collaboration with digital scientists and third party technology companies to develop digital tools to support student mental health; both as self-guided resources and as part of an enhanced care journey. Digital technology has the capability to rationalize and expedite support tailored to the individual student need and provide a more seamless mental health care experience.
Care Pathways and Policy
Mapping out evidence-based care pathways for students with specific mental health concerns that are continually evaluated is a major need across higher education institutions. Authoritative papers suggest a blend of universal mental health promotion and an emphasis on early identification and intervention should be the focus of student mental health care initiatives. Facilitated transitions to more specialized mental health care in the community is also an unmet need, given that students are often not connected to local healthcare services. Research findings and associated implications should be regularly reviewed and incorporated into higher education policies and strategic plans. Canadian Universities, moving forward, would be well-served by a collective, collaborative endeavour, comparable to Universities UK: providing advocacy, representation, governance, annual reports, evidence-based papers on topics of interest, and producing research to inform policy.
