Following reports of a series of student deaths in 2010 and 2011, Queen’s University has released a new report making 116 health-care professional-approved recommendations for improving students’ mental health in an effort to heighten mental health awareness at schools across the country.
These strategies include reconsidering class and exam scheduling to reduce student stress, expanding mental health awareness sessions to all faculty and staff, and use of an “early intervention protocol” that would identify students showing signs of academic or personal issues.
These interventions come at a time when mental health statistics place suicide as the second leading cause of death among 10 to 24-year-olds, tied in with a high likelihood of youth to suffer from mental disorders.
Importantly, these reports highlight the importance of promoting a healthy campus community, encouraging the ability to seek help and sharpen counseling opportunities.
