UK wide data suggest that University and College students are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress and the exacerbation, or first onset, of mental health difficulties (Akram, Gardani et al, 2020).
The prevention and early intervention practices to support the mental health of young adults in educational settings is one of the key strategic items of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2017-2027. The Scottish Education system is unique to other UK systems at all levels of studying, for example, Scottish Government data in 2018 showed that four years of degree study and being highly successful in attracting international students to name a few. This distinctive educational framework may pose additional challenges in the wellbeing and academic experience and for some students.
Who we are
The interest in forming an official network of research in student mental health (ScotSMART) across Scottish institutions is sparked by our common interest in understanding the current issues of the student experience in Scotland and how these may affect students’ wellbeing and mental health.
What we do
ScotSMART is funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and aims to bring the topic of student mental health to the forefront of the agenda of all Scottish institutions and foster communication across disciplines and universities, including student body representatives and administrative staff. Also, by creating a wider collaborative network, we aim to support the quality and impact of the research in student mental health conducted in Scottish Higher Education Institutions.
Want to share something on our blog? Get in touch with us scotsmart@ed.ac.uk!
Menchie Leung 
@MenchieLeung
PhD Student, University of Edinburgh
Research Assistant, ScotSMART
References:
Akram, U., Ypsilanti, A., Gardani, M., Irvine, K., Allen, S., Akram, A., … & Lazuras, L. (2020). Prevalence and psychiatric correlates of suicidal ideation in UK university students. Journal of affective disorders, 272, 191-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.185
Image from Molly Murray, ScotSMART ©
