Addressing student mental health and suicide concerns: are we there yet?

Abstract

The mental health and suicide rates of further education (FE) and higher education (HE) students have been generating international concern in many countries, including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Several charters and national frameworks have emerged to support and inform whole institution provision. There is evidence of sector engagement and investment to support implementation in HE and to a lesser extent, FE, particularly from the USA and UK, although effectiveness evidence is currently lacking. Barriers affecting help seeking and early identification of difficulties, delays in accessing appropriate support, and lack of continuity of care from campus supports into specialist Mental Health services, remain key challenges. This editorial discusses the current position and the next stage of development in student mental health support and suicide prevention. Overall, the transformation of FE and HE provision to address student mental health and suicide concerns still has a considerable way to go.