Why University Mental Health Day Matters

University can be the most exciting chapter of a young person’s life, bristling with new experiences and a newfound freedom in independent living.

Yet behind the veil of excitement, pressures in university life are putting strain on students’ mental health. Across the last decade, mental health declarations from UK students have seen a 450% increase, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that support student well-being.

One such initiative is University Mental Health Day. This article explores the day’s significance and how it helps students navigate the challenges of academic life.

What is “University Mental Health Day”?

University Mental Health Day is a nationwide event encouraging students to talk openly about their mental health. It happens every year on the second Thursday of March, with this year’s event on March 13, 2025.

The first University Mental Health Day was set up by the University Mental Health Advisors Network (UMHAN) in 2008. The original idea was to hold an event that raised awareness of mental health struggles faced on campus. The overriding goal was to break down any barriers or stigma students felt toward mental health discussions.

Now, University Mental Health Day is run jointly by the two companies UMHAN and Student Minds, the UK’s brightest student mental health charity. Together, they provide a shining light for students facing mental health difficulties and work with the health and government sectors to bring student mental health to the forefront.

What are the biggest mental health challenges faced by students?

While anyone in the country can feel many mental health challenges faced by students, there are sometimes unique dangers that university life can present. These can include:

Addiction and substance misuse

For many students, university represents the first real taste of “independence.” Being away from the watch of parents and guardians can create an increased tendency to experiment with alcohol and drugs. In fact, a survey of students found that more than half think getting drunk is part of university culture, with the majority saying they drink more than once a week.

Fresher’s Week bar crawls might involve excessive alcohol or drug use, making it more likely for alcohol addiction and drug addiction to take hold. Both can worsen your mental health and academic performance, creating a cycle where stress fuels further substance use as a temporary escape.

Financial worries

Another significant stressor that worsens students’ mental health is being unable to support themselves financially. With the cost of living rising and rents increasing by a record 8% in 2023/24, many students are struggling to pay bills and stay financially sound.

Survey data shows over three-quarters of students experience significant financial stress. Nearly one in five consider moving back home or transferring universities to save money, while one in seven are seriously thinking about dropping out due to financial hardship.

Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation

A growing number of university students are struggling with severe anxiety and depression. A 2021 Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey found that over one-third of students experienced moderate to severe depression. This is significantly higher than both the general population (16%) and 16 to 29-year-olds (22%).

Further into these findings, concerning research has found that as many as 31% of students have had suicidal thoughts, with 1 of 5 students having planned suicide within the year before the survey. These bleak discoveries illuminate the need for drastic support for mental health on campuses.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are a mental health issue impacting an increasing number of university students across the country. The most common sufferers of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder are young people aged from 15 to 19, meaning first-year students, in particular, can struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with food.

Research from the UK’s eating disorder charity Beat estimates that 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Of those, more than a third were diagnosed during university, and 39% had to drop out or take a break from studies.

Uncertain employment prospects

A student’s time at university is supposed to be the stage when every preparation is made for stepping into employment as soon as studies have finished. Yet recent surveys show that half of all university students feel unprepared for employment when they graduate. There may be fewer opportunities to gain these experiences from global employers, leading students into a more competitive job market where being rejected or completely ignored is becoming commonplace.

How is University Mental Health Day helping address these issues?

The organisers of University Mental Health Day are helping students overcome the challenges of academic life in many ways. On the second Thursday of each March, a University Mental Health Day can help students with:

Developing the “university mental health charter”

Organisers at the charity Student Minds have developed the university mental health charter with a set of evidence-informed principles for universities to adopt. The principles framework comprises five domains: Learn, Support, Work, Live and Enabling, which together help develop a “whole-university” approach to mental health.

Connecting struggling students together

A lot of the issues students are facing are not spoken about because students fear that what they’re feeling is abnormal. Simply opening the door lets students overcome any feelings of denial and admit to mental health struggles. Being around others who feel the same way can create a network for those in need.

Raising awareness

Organisers who host group sessions and seminars on campuses help to raise awareness of supporting services in the university itself. As many as one in four students in university don’t know who to speak to on-site for mental health support. The organisers help with letting students know there may be more support for them than they realise.

How else can I look after my mental health at university?

University Mental Health Day takes place once per year, yet Student Minds can be contacted at any point throughout your studies. Their professional support can help guide you through dark times and let you know that you aren’t experiencing your feelings alone.

There are some practical tips and actions you can take that may improve your mental well-being while in academia, including:

• Joining a club or society: You may find that your university has more interest groups than you first realise. Search for groups that suit what you’re into, from niche sports teams, academic interests, faith groups or volunteering teams that help the local community.
• Nurturing activities: As much as you can, try and exercise, spend time in nature and focus on healthy sleep patters. University life can be fast-paced but don’t lose track of activities that nurture your body and mind.
• Find out what your university offers: Make sure you know where to go and who to speak to in student support services. Don’t be afraid to ask staff where support is available for your mental health. Universities usually have support groups for commuters and mature students too.
• Look out for others: As we’ve seen, mental health issues are not uncommon among university students and the number of people suffering may be increasing. Remember to let your friends know you’re there for them if they need, and use the resources available at Student Minds to look after their well-being.

Need support? UKAT Is here to help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, or substance misuse at university, there is help available. At UKAT, we specialise in addiction rehab and mental health support, offering expert-led treatment programs tailored to your needs.

Our team of trained professionals provides holistic support that lays the foundation for breaking free from addiction. Whether you’re looking for advice, detox support, or long-term addiction recovery solutions, we’re here for you.

Contact UKAT today to take the first step toward a healthier life, free from addiction.