The psychological well-being of college students
The psychological well-being of college students in Italy is fortunately becoming a matter of great importance and attention.
During the academic journey, young people often face many challenges, such as exam stress, academic pressure, time management, and personal and family expectations
All these situations, if poorly managed, can incentivize mental health problems and lead to states of anxiety, depression, and disorders of various kinds, such as post-traumatic stress or eating disorders.
More and more Italian universities are paying attention to the psychological well-being of college students
In light of this increased awareness, some Italian universities are implementing support services and resources to help young people manage stress and maintain good mental well-being.
There are universities that offer free or subsidized psychological counseling services, support groups, wellness programs, and initiatives to promote awareness of the issue at hand such as workshops.
These initiatives are active in only a few universities, but it is becoming increasingly urgent for the government to take action so that it can institute a law to protect the psychological well-being of all male and female students.
Student associations urge proposed law on psychological well-being
Student associations are very active in promoting mental well-being and raising awareness of the issue by emphasizing the importance of talking about it and implementing concrete actions about it.
In particular, two organizations, the Network Of Middle Students and the Union Of University Students, have set up the “Ask Me How I Am“.
An awareness campaign on the need for psychological assistance, demanding answers from the world of politics to cope with what is a serious generational crisis.
The proposed law on student mental health protection
Students have written a bill calling for the introduction in every school and university of a psychological, psychotherapeutic and counseling help desk run by a multidisciplinary team. The two pillars of the bill are:
- Making mental health accessible to students through free psychological counters in every school and university with a multidisciplinary team in-house;
- Awareness paths on the topic of psychological well-being.
While one waits to see how the bill will evolve, it is important for students themselves to take charge of their own mental health.
First and foremost by becoming aware that they are not alone and that they can seek help from their families, their primary care physicians, but also in universities at student associations or listening centers that provide support services.
Conclusion
We have seen that despite many initiatives by universities and student associations to provide psychological support services, students in Italy still face many challenges in improving mental health support, chief among them getting the bill passed.
It is important to keep attention high and raise awareness of the importance of a support plan that can help struggling students and protect psychological health that has been ignored for too long.
It is also important for students to be up-to-date on the services and resources available at their university and to feel free to ask for help when they need it.
Mental health is a priority, and seeking support can make a difference in fostering a more balanced and rewarding academic experience.
