Student mental health has become a central concern for universities around the world. Experts, families, and students are debating how much responsibility institutions should bear for psychological wellbeing. New research, high-profile cases, and growing demand for support are prompting reforms abroad and in Thailand. The key question is what an effective duty of care looks like in higher education and how it can be sustained.
A recent UK analysis highlighted gaps in campus mental health resources. A student with anxiety described being shuffled between services after seeking counseling. She said she felt like she was being passed from one service to another. Another student criticized a one-size-fits-all approach, where support sometimes amounted to clickable links rather than practical help. This narrative resonates beyond borders and underscores the need for robust, accessible support.
The issue is global, including Thailand. University students face rising psychological pressures as awareness grows and transitions become more demanding, especially after Covid-19. Institutions invest in wellbeing programs even as budgets tighten, raising questions about whether universities should be frontline providers of mental health care or dependable gateways to external professionals.
The stakes are high. Tragic cases and related legal actions have shifted the conversation from access to counseling toward broader institutional obligations. In the UK, data show a near quadruple rise in students reporting mental health conditions from 2014 to 2024, with most affected students aged 18–21. Thailand experiences similar trends, with studies showing notable levels of anxiety and depression among students driven by academic pressures, changes in living arrangements, and the lingering impact of online learning during the pandemic. National research from Thai universities indicates that distress affects a significant portion of students, underscoring the universal relevance of strong campus support systems.
Thai readers will find these discussions especially relevant. Thai universities face comparable strains on mental health services. Research points to anxiety and depression among students, while cultural norms around family support and respect for hierarchy shape help-seeking behavior. Stigma and concerns about loss of face can deter students from approaching campus staff, leading many to rely on informal networks. As Thai society becomes more open about mental health, campuses are increasingly expected to offer frontline support and timely referrals.
Globally, demand for mental health services often outpaces supply. In the UK, spending on wellbeing rose while many institutions faced potential deficits. In the United States, only about one-third of students access on-campus counseling despite widespread distress. Innovative approaches, including peer support and scalable online services, are being explored, though their reach and effectiveness vary. Experts warn that without proper resources and thoughtful design, students can fall through the cracks—an issue echoed in Thailand where counseling centers sometimes expand faster than their capacity or quality.
The pandemic’s legacy continues to shape student development. Post-lockdown cohorts report social development delays, isolation, and challenges adjusting to independent living. In Thailand, researchers note declines in academic performance, social anxiety, and emotional regulation among new student groups. The role of personal tutors—often academics rather than mental health specialists—has come under scrutiny as universities struggle to equip staff with adequate training to respond to crises. This structural challenge leaves students and staff vulnerable.
The duty of care debate has intensified. Families of students who died by suicide have pushed for stronger protections, arguing universities must create safer environments. Some advocates warn against placing unrealistic expectations on higher education given limits to what universities can control. Judgments against institutions for failing to make reasonable adjustments in cases of anxiety are shaping policy discussions. Others advocate practical resilience-building and closer collaboration with public health authorities and community providers, recognizing that universities alone cannot deliver comprehensive care.
Thai experts emphasize coordinated action. Research supports cross-institutional collaboration and national guidelines to standardize support, reduce barriers to help-seeking, and align with international best practices. Some campuses have established partnerships with local health providers to expedite care for severe cases, inspired by international models. Yet resource disparities between public and private institutions persist, and consistency in service delivery remains a work in progress.
Cultural factors influence how Thai students seek help. Family and religious figures often play a central role in coping with distress, especially in rural areas. Urban campuses in Bangkok and other cities are increasingly normalizing mental health education, but stigma endures. Expanding mental health literacy, fostering peer support groups, and adopting culturally sensitive approaches are priorities highlighted by recent Thai research.
Practical recommendations for Thai universities, students, and families include:
- Expand evidence-based wellbeing programs with digital tools and peer-led initiatives to reach more students.
- Improve training for academic staff and support personnel to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
- Create clear, accessible pathways to clinical care for students with severe symptoms to prevent gaps in support.
- Strengthen partnerships among universities, public health agencies, families, and community resources to build a comprehensive care network.
- Promote mental health literacy and reduce stigma through workshops and orientation programs that reflect Thai cultural contexts.
- Regularly assess service effectiveness and incorporate student feedback to adapt resources to evolving needs.
For Thai families and students, early recognition of distress and proactive help-seeking are crucial. Encouraging open conversations, supporting friends in accessing care, and utilizing on- and off-campus resources can make a meaningful difference. Emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength aligns with evolving attitudes toward mental health in Thai society.
The overarching goal is to balance developing independent, resilient students with providing responsible, accessible support. As societal expectations shift, universities must adapt to protect student safety and promote wellbeing as a shared priority.
For broader context, readers can consider Thailand’s mental health authorities and on-campus counseling centers, alongside global health initiatives focused on youth mental health. Data from national and international research show that coordinated action among universities, health services, families, and communities yields the strongest outcomes.