[Challenges and resolutions in mental health support for medical students. Mental Health Counseling Service at Semmelweis University].

Abstract

The prevalence of mental health problems is on the rise worldwide, and there appears to be a significant increase in young university students as well - a British study found a fivefold increase in the prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents over a 10-year period. In the world of medical universities, full of stressful challenges and a competitive atmosphere, the above factors put even more pressure on students. The less favorable mental state of medical students compared to students of other universities is well known and cannot be considered as specific to Hungary. There are several national and international studies that emphasize the multicausal origin of this phenomenon. In order to support the mental and physical well-being of students, to reduce dropout rates and to prevent various psychiatric disorders, the development of well-being services is advocated worldwide. In our paper, we present the curricular and extracurricular mental health promotion opportunities available to students at Semmelweis University, with a special focus on the Student Counselling Service.