Mental health in higher education

Mr. Director:

World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year, is promoted by the World Federation of Mental Health and has the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) as an example to raise awareness about the problems of mental health organizations around the world and mobilize efforts to support these The main issue.

This is a particularly sensitive issue in higher education. A relatively recently published study, led by the University of Valparaiso’s School of Psychology, revealed very disturbing numbers: 74% of students studying a bachelor’s degree or technical program display “moderate to severe” depressive symptoms as a result of the study. In a context marked by quarantine and restrictions on movement to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

We have observed this in CBRC particularly closely, where we have verified with the authorities directing various HEIs the high level of expression of concerns to student affairs or development units, and demand for support on mental health issues. . Likewise, the study houses themselves, based on the diagnoses made in-house, had designed procedures to address the problems identified.
It is imperative today, more than ever, to have methodologies and tools available to educational communities to provide cross-sectional and homogeneous support, without discrimination, to students and collaborators – including teachers naturally – who need tangible support in times of stillness. Going through the uncertainty that continues to fuel the pandemic.

Leopoldo Ramirez Alarcón
Poor CEO