Half of university students in Spain show symptoms of depression, anxiety or insomnia

The emotional well-being and mental health of young people have worsened in recent years, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also due to other socioeconomic factors.

In order to gain an understanding of the mental health of university students in Spain, in 2022 the Spanish Ministry of Universities and the Ministry of Health carried out two studies: a qualitative one, to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among these students, through a two-phase survey (first and second semester of the 2022-23 academic year) in which almost 60,000 students from all over the country participated, and a quantitative one, which addresses emotional well-being from the perspective of health assets (those resources that help promote health) and the barriers that limit the ability to have good health and well-being.

Our present, our future

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The results of the quantitative approach reveal that half of the country's university students have consulted a healthcare professional at some point regarding a mental health issue (between 50.3% and 52.3%). One in three university students is aware that their university has a psychology service, but only 5% have actually used it. Universities are legally obligated to offer psycho-pedagogical guidance, prevention, and well-being services.

The survey has allowed for screening for some of the main mental health problems (depression, anxiety, clinical or severe insomnia, and suicidal ideation), but not as a diagnostic measure. As the report indicates, a positive screening result suggests the need for a more comprehensive and thorough evaluation , not necessarily that the student has a clinical diagnosis of this mental health problem.

Eight out of ten young people have experienced symptoms of emotional distress during the past year

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In this regard, the results indicate that:

• 1 in 2 students presents depressive symptoms (49.4% - 46.9%)
• 1 in 2 students presents moderate or severe anxiety (49.5% - 52.8%)
• 1 in 5 students presents suicidal thoughts (22.5% - 21.4%)
• 1 in 5 students presents clinical or severe insomnia (21.9% - 24.1%)
• 1 in 7 students exhibits risky alcohol consumption (13.7% - 12.7%)

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia is significantly higher among female students than among male students, and also among undergraduate students. In contrast, Risky alcohol consumption is higher among men , and among doctoral and master's students.

The students who participated in the qualitative study identified financial barriers and the pressure to obtain or lose a scholarship as their main concerns. It's important to note that two-thirds of the students receive family support to finance their studies, and more than a third are scholarship recipients. This situation places an additional burden of stress on them.

With the aim of improving university campuses and the student experience, the study makes a series of proposals to create healthier and more welcoming environments. Ultimately, it envisions a university more focused on students, their needs and abilities, and the promotion of their mental well-being.

Proposals for promoting healthier environments in universities:

• Promoting teamwork allows students to learn collaboratively from their peers and reduces academic pressure. It's a valuable asset in health that unites the two greatest assets of the university: fostering relationships with other students and enhancing learning.
• Having access to the academic resources offered by the university fosters well-being. Maintaining these resources, which include libraries, access to digital resources, and interlibrary loan services, as well as a leading faculty, strengthens educational quality and the sense of belonging to the institution.
• Encourage activities that promote camaraderie with an academic focus, whether through seminars or conferences; the institution should also facilitate association and leisure time for students.
• There is a call for greater transparency in the periodic evaluations carried out by the university and for measures to be taken to implement improvements in the aspects worst rated by the students.
• Promoting state-level meetings and forums for sharing experiences that improve university life is a demand to avoid unwanted loneliness among postgraduate students.