No student is an island

Student mental health has been declining in Canada since 2013, with more students reporting psychological distress or a mental disorder diagnosis. In 2018, 58 per cent of students at Quebec universities reported experiencing high levels of psychological distress, while in 2022, 67 per cent of students in Ontario reported a deterioration of their mental health.  

Support measures often target individuals rather than their environment. Yet, the conceptual model for mental health surveillance developed in 2023 by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (National public health institute of Quebec—INSPQ) illustrates that numerous environmental factors can also affect mental health. 

The international Okanagan Charter (2015) invites universities and colleges to become health-promoting institutions. It emphasizes creating healthy living environments and reminds institutions of their responsibility to support this endeavour.  

How can postsecondary institutions promote healthy environments? 

We recently conducted a comprehensive review of environmental factors affecting the mental health of postsecondary students. We identified three broad categories: 

1. Housing environment 

2. Social environment 

3. Built environment  

The vital role of housing 

Housing is a fundamental determinant of good mental health and academic success. It is especially important in the context of the current housing crisis. The “housing environment” category includes the social and built characteristics of student dwellings. High-quality housing and access to indoor or outdoor greenery generally contribute to better mental health. Conversely, living in a small space (less than 60 m²) is associated with a greater risk of symptoms of mental distress. 

Social environments: powerful yet invisible  

The “social environment” category encompasses the various aspects of collective life, such as social capital and social cohesion. Having a large network and good supports, feeling connected and integrated into the learning environment, and living in a setting that prioritizes well-being and connection are all factors associated with better mental health. By contrast, the social environment in postsecondary institutions can also encourage student alcohol and drug use by normalizing or rewarding these behaviours. Discrimination or violence are associated with a higher risk of symptoms of mental distress and decreased mental health.  

Built environment: a boon to mental health — and the planet 

The “built environment” category relates to natural and human-made features and amenities, such as urban design, green areas and public spaces. In general, exposure to nature and greenery is associated with better mental health. Quieter neighbourhoods with little traffic or pollution promote mental wellness, as does a walkable or bikeable environment. A high-quality campus setting, both indoors and outdoors, is also beneficial; for example, green spaces mitigate heat islands while beautifying the academic surroundings. 

How can postsecondary institutions create environments that promote mental health?  

The Okanagan Charter includes two calls to action. We’ve added our thoughts to these, informed by our comprehensive review:  

1. Integrate health into all aspects of campus culture. 

Postsecondary institutions must create policies prioritizing inclusion and health. These policies enable the creation of social environments that promote connection and safety. To achieve this, institutions must understand how an environment can be experienced differently by different people. It is essential to take into account the different perspectives and needs of a diverse student body. 

2. Undertake actions and partnerships that promote health, both locally and globally. 

Educational institutions must identify collaborative opportunities to shape student environments on multiple levels. It’s important to decide which locations to prioritize, both on and off campus, and to identify the most influential players in each of these settings.  

To learn more: 

Station SME offers information and tools to support educational institutions in creating learning environments that promote student mental health by addressing related environmental factors. A reflexive tool is available to guide institutions in this exercise. 

This article is part of a monthly series on student mental health in higher education by the Observatoire sur la santé mentale étudiante en enseignement supérieur (Observatory on Student Mental Health in Higher Education—OSMÉES) and the Initiative sur la santé mentale étudiante en enseignement supérieur (Initiative for student mental health in higher education—ISMÉ).