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Caring Universities

Online e-health programs to support student well-being

The simple question, "How are you?" is one we encounter frequently, yet it often slips by without receiving the genuine care it deserves. All too often, we reply out of habit, neglecting to pause and truly check in with ourselves. It's crucial to take a moment and reflect on how we actually feel because our immediate responses may not always serve us best.

When it comes to young professionals, many of them find themselves dropping out or experiencing burnout during their studies. While we don't have exact figures, it's clear that the numbers are high, and it's a tough reality many can relate to.

With this in mind, Leonore de Wit, who leads the education section in the Department of Clinical Psychology at VU Amsterdam, has been honoured with the Comenius prize. She's received this recognition for her efforts in developing a program within the psychology curriculum, specifically designed to train coaches in supporting the programs offered within Caring Universities. This initiative collaborates with various national and international universities and forms a crucial part of the World Health Organization's college student mental health surveys-an international effort dedicated to enhancing our understanding of the mental well-being of students. 

It's important for universities to prioritise the mental well-being of their students, and for students themselves to take good care of both their own mental health and that of their peers. This is where Caring Universities steps in, offering a range of e-health programs designed to equip students with valuable techniques and skills to enhance their mental health for free.These programs are thoughtfully developed in collaboration with master's students in Psychology at VU Amsterdam to address various aspects of student life, such as improving sleep, tackling procrastination, elevating mood and self-esteem, and managing stress, among other benefits. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve an university environment that embeds the well-being of students, enabling them not only to excel academically but also to thrive and experience genuine happiness.This goal has also been shared by student psychologists and student advisors, who see Caring Universities' programs as a valuable additional resource to support students on their journey towards mental health wellness. 

What to expect? Students are always welcome to use Caring Universities programs whenever they wish. Additionally, in the second half of the academic year every student will receive an email with a survey link. This survey's goal is to spot any potential mental health concerns among students. Following the survey, each student will receive an email with personalised feedback and a brief recommendation regarding which online e-health programs align with their current needs.

So far, the results from this initiative have been positive. If you are curious, you can explore some of the personal stories shared by students on their website. It's all about students lending a hand to their peers, and it's making a real difference in creating a healthier and more engaged study environment.