Mental health involves our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Overview Mental health has an impact on how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with people, and make decisions. Going to study abroad can be a major transition, as you must adjust to a new academic system, while also learning to be more autonomous, and experiencing culture shock to language barriers. Students in higher education are therefore more likely to experience mental health challenges than the general population. However, African international students can often experience a unique set of challenges, due to the most frequent encounter of discrimination and feelings associated with being a minority. At the same time, mental health professionals cannot always understand the experience of Black and Minority Ethnic students (BAME), and as a result these students don’t always receive the kind of support they need. If this happens, know that this is not okay, and there is specialised support available for you. Theoretical overview There are many reasons why students from non-majority backgrounds might experience a higher rate of challenges. Some of the reasons as reported by Qin (2019) are second language anxiety or experiencing self-consciousness around an accent, experiences of isolation, cultural differences, academic anxiety, but also feelings that accompany the experience of being a minority student in a majority white institution. Furthermore, students’ expectations about what life in the host country would be like can remain unfulfilled, or they can experience financial challenges. All these things, as well as being physically far away from familiar support systems can impact minority and international students’ mental wellbeing. References Qin, X. (2019). Common Factors of Mental Health Challenges Among International Students. Addressing Mental Health Issues Affecting International Students, 8. Arday, J. (2018). Understanding Mental Health: What Are the Issues for Black and Ethnic Minority Students at University? Social Sciences, 7(10), 196. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/socsci7100196 Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students’ mental health support. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/student-life/for-bame-students/ Mental health foundation, 2021. Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-bame-communities If you as a student are experiencing any of these things, reach out to someone to get support. Below we have linked to some sources of support. Challenges of access to support as a minority student. Underrepresented students are more likely to experience mental health challenges (Arday, 2018, Mental health foundation, 2021). This is also associated with perceptions of stigma around mental health and therefore some students might not seek help when they need it. Furthermore, minority students report experiencing not being fully understood by mental health professionals who do not share their lived experiences and background. If this happens, it is important that you find someone more suitable, and not give up on your desire to receive help. Context for Scholars As African international students, Mastercard Foundation scholars might experience issues related to mental health. However, scholars also have a unique support system. Besides the support that they can receive from their peers and the scholars’ community, the Mastercard Foundation team can also provide valuable help. Moreover, the scholars have access to Saheliya, a specialist mental health and wellbeing organisation for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people in Edinburgh and the broader Glasgow area, as well as a reflection coach with whom they can share their experiences. Scholars at other institutions will likely have similar support systems at their home institution. Practical advice Reach out. If you find that you are struggling with your mental health, it is really important that you reach out to someone. You can reach out to your friends, family, other scholars, the Mastercard Foundation team at your home institution, your mentor, or a professional service. We have a series of links at the end of the page with helpful contacts. Act fast. You do not have to wait until things get really hard before taking care of your mental health. Below is some practical advice to help if things get difficult: - Seek connection and friendship (TP). While it can sometimes be easier said than done, having friends and a social support system can have a tremendously positive impact on your psychological wellbeing. - Balance academic and personal life (TP). Ensuring that you have other activities in your life other than studying is essential to maintaining good psychological health. - Celebrate successes. Make sure you take time to celebrate when things go well. - Take time to find things that you appreciate. Using self-reflection to identify things that go well and things that you are thankful for can positively influence our mental wellbeing. - Seek support when you need it. As mentioned above, seeking support is essential if you are struggling. It can be hard to accept that we need help sometimes, but reaching out can really make a difference. The University has a variety of different options – see links below - You might want to seek support from others who share your ethnicity. This mental health foundation website provides many alternatives for people from different backgrounds. Mastercard Foundation scholars’ experiences Photovoice book Depression can set in when you don't have people to celebrate with. You could have depression if you're winning and winning and winning, and there's nobody around you to cheer you on, especially people who are close to you, who can tell you, ‘Yes, you did well. Yes, this is good’. Even sometimes when you don't have people to tell you where you’re steering off course, it's not a very good thing. Having people around you who could clap for you, who could scold you, who could correct you, is one of the special features of community. Yes, that is what community is. I think I love that a lot and it's really good. Useful links Mastercard foundation scholars’ health and wellbeing The advice place has a list of contacts both for Student Counselling service, the Wellbeing Service, as well as links to private counselling and helplines (both on the phone and online). Advice place – Mental health The University’s Health and Wellbeing service has a range of information and contacts. Health and Wellbeing service The University’s Counselling Service can provide support and has extra information and actions you can take for your mental wellbeing. Counselling service Two good resources for minority students: The mental health foundations support specific for BAME students. Mental Health Foundation BAME The charity Mind has good resources for mental health for students in general and targeted for BAME students. General student support Mind support for BAME This article was published on 2024-06-24
