What do students think good mental health support looks like?

So, what do students really want when it comes to mental health support? According to a recent survey of students by Blue Fever, there are a few key things that stand out.

For starters, 30% of students said that support and understanding was the most important aspect of good mental health support. This makes sense - when we're struggling with our mental health, it can be really helpful to have someone who's there for us, who understands what they are going through, and who can offer emotional support.

The second most popular response among students was the ability to express feelings and to share experiences, which 28% of respondents said was important to them. Again, this isn't too surprising - when we're struggling with our mental health, it’s therapeutic to be able to open up and talk about what's going on without judgment. It helps us process our emotions, get things off our chest, and find relief.

18% of students surveyed said that they wanted help and advice as part of good mental health support. This could include things like tips for managing anxiety or depression, strategies for improving sleep, or just general advice on how to take care of ourselves.

14% of students surveyed said that making connections and finding people to relate to was important to them. This could mean connecting with others who have similar experiences, or just finding people who are willing to listen and support us.

8% of respondents said that they wanted the ability to talk to someone whenever they needed. This could be through a chat or text line, or just having someone who's available to talk whenever we need them.

Finally, 2% of respondents cited other themes as important aspects of good mental health support, including feeling seen and understood, and finding a safe and welcoming community.

All of these responses highlight the importance of having a supportive and understanding environment when it comes to mental health. Whether we're seeking help and advice, looking for a safe space to express ourselves, or just wanting to connect with others, these are all key components of good mental health support. One place students can get the type of support they are looking for is on Blue Fever: trustworthy, community diary where authentic self expression unlocks peer support and resources for users’ well-being. Blue Fever is on a mission to reverse the mental health crisis disproportionately affecting young people and students. Through working toward these goals, we can create a supportive and effective environment for young people and students seeking mental health support.