University culture and the student mental health crisis

Systemic factors need to be acknowledged and addressed By Jon Parsons University Relations Something that is sorely missing in discussions of mental health and wellness on university campuses is an acknowledgement of the ways that university culture itself contributes to mental illness. According to Dr. Maureen Drysdale, a professor of psychology at St. Jerome's University and adjunct professor with the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, schools can inadvertently foster an environment that negatively impacts mental health. "The university experience can at times be highly competitive," Drysdale says. "Students may feel they do not measure up, and then also may feel it is not possible to seek help safely and efficiently. Universities try their best to provide resources or supports, but this doesn't always hit the mark." Toxic positivity. One aspect of university culture that Drysdale points out is toxic positivity. The competitive academic environment can place enormous pressure on students to appear happy and effortlessly engaged all the time, regardless of any mental health struggles they are experiencing.