Rising student mental health problems need urgent action

Prompted by rising reports of student distress and suicide, universities are becoming increasingly responsive to the mental health and well-being needs of their students. But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the day-to-day experiences of international students calls for immediate, whole-of-university action that is proactive, visible and accessible. Most international students transition into university at a time of life when they are also transitioning to adulthood, a period associated with greater than average levels of anxiety and mood disorders. To be successful, they must manage disparate academic, social and cultural expectations and integrate into unfamiliar communities, while assuming financial independence and personal responsibility.