Since 2014, Wolf Pack students have made their voices heard with more than 16,000 students nationwide through the Healthy Minds Study. The data gathered in the initial study and follow-up studies in 2016, 2018 and 2022 showed the students' mental health trends and needs. This showed where the University could improve mental health services and how Counseling Services could serve the student community better.
“We need as many students as possible to complete this survey to get representative mental health survey data," Psychologist and Director of Counseling Services Yani Dickens said. "This data helps us accurately assess the mental health needs of our students to address their mental health needs with existing resources, and to seek additional resources if we cannot meet our students’ current and future needs. Representative survey data helps us improve access to mental health services.”
The HMS survey screens for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, loneliness and other issues, in addition to gathering information on perceived stigma about mental health problems. Participants are asked about their current utilization of and attitudes or beliefs about mental health services generally and about specific University resources. Results from surveys like this one have helped to identify areas of need, allocate resources and advocate for students.
This year’s survey will include questions about students' needs and interests in particular areas, such as outreach and treatment programs like the ones offered by Counseling Services, including programming on using coping skills and art to manage emotions and stress. Students will also have the chance to express any barriers to completing their degrees and how has mental health issues affected their academic performance.
“Past results showed that the prevalence of mental health problems among our students was greater than those at our peer institutions,” Dickens said. “This data helped our students decide to increase the student counseling fee, allowing us to grow our services to better meet their needs.”
The 2024 survey will launch on Feb. 20 and will run through March 22. All University students are encouraged to check their email inboxes for an email with the subject “Make your voice heard with the Healthy Minds Study!” Students are reminded to complete the survey on a laptop, tablet or computer to view the questions better. It is important to note that students should start and finish the survey on the same device as the responses will not be saved between devices. Participants have a chance to win gift cards ranging from $20 to $500. All data collected is completely confidential and anonymized. The Healthy Minds Study is conducted by third-party principal investigators at the University of Michigan, where it originated, the University of California-Los Angeles, Wayne State University and Boston University.
“Please complete the Healthy Minds Study survey to help us determine the mental health needs of our students and staff,” Dickens said. “Your participation really helps!”
