A synopsis of the mental health concerns of university students: results of a text-based online survey from one Australian university

Within the university community, student demographic data highlights a high level of cultural diversity and an ‘at-risk’ population for the onset of mental health problems. Moreover, the transition to higher education is itself associated with a range of emotional, social and academic demands that can cause psychological distress. Therefore, at any one time, a substantial number of students may be attempting to complete university studies while managing problematic symptoms, behaviours or an emerging or diagnosed mental disorder. The aim of this paper is to provide a snapshot of these students' experiences to enable strategic planning of future university support services. Of particular importance was the identification of facilitators and barriers that this group of students faced while engaged in university life. Participants were 1378 students enrolled at a Western Australian university who accessed a text-based online survey during May 2009. The students provided descriptions of the range of problemat...