Rosa María Olave: “The mental health of university students is skyrocketing, and even more so among women.”

In an interview with the CNN Chile program "Sana Mente," the president of the CRUCH's University Coexistence subcommittee stated that universities "reflect what is happening in society. Therefore, in recent years we have lived in a context of greater irritability, difficulty in connecting and exchanging experiences.".

University life is considered one of the most exciting and transformative periods in a person's life. However, it can also involve major challenges for students' mental health.

In an interview with the program Healthy Mind from CNN Chile, Rosa María Olave, president of the University Coexistence subcommittee of the Council of Rectors (CRUCH), stated that with the return to in-person learning “People began talking about the mental health problems of university students and requesting support from the universities themselves.“.

“Last year the CRUCH Commission on Coexistence and Mental Health was launched (…) A very worrying study done in Chile was shared, regarding the fact that The mental health of university students is skyrocketing, and even more so among women. than in men“,” he added.

Along these lines, the expert pointed out that "Universities express what is happening in society.". Therefore, in recent years we have lived in a context of greater irritability, of difficulty in connecting and exchanging experiences. This has been reflected in universities in one way or another.”.

Seeking to provide answers

Olave explained that one of the objectives of the CRUCH commission is to learn about the practices, experiences, and responses that universities are trying to promote.“There we find an interest, a need, and a willingness on the part of different actors to respond“.

“We are in a cycle that has been convened so that universities, especially the Student Affairs offices, can participate in discussion groups to to be able to gather their perspective on what is happening with coexistence"How are the students relating to each other, what spaces for exchange they have, how are they resolving differences among themselves," he added.

According to the expert, it is important for coexistence. see how universities promote spaces for participation. “On the other hand, there are mentor or tutor programs that accompany students entering university and help them learn from the experiences of others (…) or there are courses on how to learn dialogue skills, which have to do with strategies for dealing with conflicts.”.

“Intergenerational and interdisciplinary exchange is important for the coexistence of university students.. ”We believe it’s important to talk about university life, how we—students, professors, administrators, and authorities—relate to each other. We want something more harmonious that contributes to the well-being of everyone in this community,” he concluded.

Check out the video of the interview on the website of CNN Chile HERE 

Text and photo: CNN Chile.