National network for student mental health
The Student Minds Network serves as a national network of student and youth organisations that advocate for the mental health of students. The aim is to strengthen and protect the mental health of students and to de-taboo and destigmatise the topic in higher education and in society.
The survey on the social and economic situation of students by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) shows that 23% of students suffer from moderate to severe depression. Next to chronic illnesses, mental health problems are the second most common health problem among students. This shows that students make up a vulnerable group when it comes to mental stress. It is time to act and this network aims to support and promote student mental health initiatives.
Students in Switzerland can study in a regenerative environment free from stigma and discrimination and maintain and nurture their mental health.
- The Student Minds Network advocates for student mental health on a national level with policy makers, higher education institutions, the media and other stakeholders.
- The Student Minds Network forms a national network of student associations that deal with the issue and promotes active exchange among its members.
- The public debate on the topic is conducted in a way that destigmatises and removes taboos.
- The problems surrounding the mental health situation of students have been identified, preventive solutions have been defined and are being demanded.
In autumn 2021, the predecessor project “Student Minds Project” conducted a national survey on the mental health of students. Almost 3,000 students took part in the survey. The first selected results can be viewed here.
In addition, in May 2023, the Swiss Student Union Delegates’ Assembly adopted a resolution summarising the current situation and the demands towards universities, cantons and the federal government.
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Students who are involved in a student organisation alongside their studies and employment are often exposed to multiple burdens that can have a negative impact on their well-being. The high pressure on individual shoulders in turn influences the mood in the team and can lead to friction among the committed students. We have created the following workshop to prevent such situations and prevent dedicated students from burning out. Over the course of an afternoon, we want to discuss what a healthy and sustainable committee culture can look like. We also want to develop concrete tools that committed students can then take back to their organisation. After all, in order to make a lasting impact, involvement in a student organisation should also be fun and increase the well-being of those involved.
Target Group: The workshop is primarily aimed at students who are involved in a leadership position in a student organisation. These can be board members, council presidents or team members of a smaller organisation or student council. The aim is for one or two people per team to take part in the workshop and then take the content back to their own committee.
The World Mental Health Day is organized by the WHO and the WFMH and takes place annually on October 10. The aim of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health, make information about mental illness accessible, and express solidarity with those affected. Student Minds is running a social media campaign to mark World Mental Health Day. Together with Gesunde UniBE and Unisport, mindbalance is offering a wide range of activities.
Contact us
Seraina Campell, Project Manager Student Minds Network
The Student Minds Network is supported by
