Review

Low points of college life

STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS: problems and responses
Nicky Stanley and Jill Manthorpe (eds)
Jessica Kingsley, 2002, £15.99

The introduction to this book states that it is most suited to those employed in higher education institutes (HEI). I suggest, though, that it will also make an interesting, informative and valuable read for health and social care professionals and anyone intending to pursue a career in these professional areas.

The book focuses on research findings and aims to educate HEI professionals about a variety of issues surrounding the needs of students with mental health problems. The book also covers issues that may not at first glance seem to fit into this category, which was a pleasant surprise.

While the volume has an academic bent – it uses statistical evidence and names organisations that will be unfamiliar to most people – it is structured into three logical parts with clearly labelled chapters. This allows the reader to either read it from cover to cover or access small amounts of specific information for reference.

Part one, ‘The experiences of students and their families’, begins with two well-written, down-to-earth, autobiographical accounts of student ‘breakdown’, adding a human element to the book. There are further personal accounts, but these are surrounded by clinical research findings that, sadly, I found objectified the difficult experiences that may affect students with mental health problems.

Part two was informative, yet a little repetitive, and in my opinion would be of most use to those employed in student support management teams. The final part concluded with a chapter on ‘Faith and spirituality in students’ mental health’, which was both surprising and refreshing, followed by ‘Responding to student suicide’, which was touchingly tear-jerking yet remarkably sensible.

This volume makes a valuable contribution to the literature on mental health issues, and will be especially valuable for those working in the HEI sector. It provides insight into student mental health issues that may be of interest to anyone working in other sectors, as well as parents and students. I recommend, at least, dipping into a few chapters, as it may open your eyes to unknown issues.