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Abstract
In recent years, there has been a sizeable increase in young people approaching University Counselling and Well-being Services for support in managing mental health difficulties with one research project suggesting an increase of demand upwards of 33%. Support is necessarily often targeted at those who present most ‘at risk’, but this ignores the potential positive impact that universities can have on promoting mental health for future generations, not least given that nearly half of all young people in the UK participate in Higher Education. Drawing on a case study of one UK undergraduate student, this paper will explore themes common to university students such as difficulties in transitioning from home, defensive-bonding in relationships and low self-esteem. The paper argues the need for universities and colleges to provide ongoing support for students who are ‘just about managing’ in order to enable them to flourish, both emotionally and academically.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Professor Andrew Cooper for his ongoing thoughtful and reflective clinical supervision of work. His comments on an earlier version of this paper were particularly insightful, and much appreciated.
Notes
1. Kate is not her real name, and all details have been anonymised to protect her identity. Kate has given her written consent for this material to be used, and has read an earlier draft of the paper.