Long answer

Question 1

1.

Answer 1

Removing barriers to mental health resources and making them more accessible, efficient and effective

Question 2

Stepped care approach

Answer 2

Students receive the appropriate level of mental health support based on their needs to maximize resource efficiency

Question 3

Tier one

Answer 3

Awareness and education programs, self-help tools and peer supports for those experiencing mild symptoms

Question 4

Tier 4

Answer 4

Specialized therapy and crisis support for those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms

Question 5

Effective

Answer 5

Normalize seeking mental health support and remove stigma related barriers

Question 6

How can universities normalize seeking mental health support and remove stigma related barriers

Answer 6

• awareness campings to promote mental health through social media, posters, events and workshops
• peer supports and student ambassadors to share experiences
• include students in decision making process and collect feedback

Question 7

Accessibility

Answer 7

• mental health services should be central location on campus for easy access
• mental health resources online
• reduce financial barriers

Question 8

2.

Answer 8

Universities should take a proactive approach to prevent the need for mental health services by promoting healthy coping strategies and reducing academic pressures

Question 8

How can universities reduce financial barriers?

Answer 8

Make counselling and mental health resources free or highly subsidized for students
Comprehensive mental health coverage in student health plan

Question 9

Promoting healthy coping strategies

Answer 9

• self care
• routine
• exercise

Question 10

Self-care

Answer 10

Enjoyable activities individuals engage in to maintain and enhance physical, mental and emotional well-being
ex. reading, walking, music

Question 11

Routine

Answer 11

Health study-life balance, recreation, quality sleep
Reducing recreational drug or alcohol use

Question 12

Benefits of self care and routines

Answer 12

• reduce stress
• boost mood
• improve self-esteem
• improve overall wellbeing

Question 13

Exercise

Answer 13

Promote university based group fitness classes or recreational intramural sessions to engage students in PA

Question 14

Exercise benefits

Answer 14

• reduce stress
• boost mood
• enhance cognitive function
• boost self-esteem
• better sleep

Question 14

Exercise in nature

Answer 14

Enhance outdoor campus areas to promote PA in nature; improves physical and mental health
ex. parks, basketball and tennis courts, walking paths

Question 15

Address academic pressures

Answer 15

• transparency in academic expectations and grading
• design courses to challenge students without overwhelming them
• tutoring and study groups

Question 16

3.

Answer 16

All universities should implement a mandatory mental health course across all university programs

Question 17

3 why?

Answer 17

• teach evidence-based coping strategies such as mindfulness, stress management, emotional regulation and resiliency to help them handle future academic or personal challenges effectively
• foster a supportive campus by increasing mental health awareness and removing stigma to seeking care
• provide resources