Debates like SDM’s help shed light on the issues that we are collectively dealing with but do not always get the chance to speak up about. University cannot remain preoccupied with students’ grades yet deaf to the negative impact it has on their personal wellbeing.
Yesterday’s panel varied vastly from medical experts to athletes and sports enthusiasts, who debated on whether the students’ personal wellbeing is being safeguarded at university. Despite the different backgrounds, the consensus reached was that UM needs to recognise the importance of exercise in students’ lives and prioritize their mental health.
The support systems in place at university such as the Degree+ hours and the student athlete support scheme are not sufficient. MMSA Public Health Officer Alex Esposito emphasised that “these schemes need to be translated to students at a recreational level”.
MHSA President Edward De Gabriele said that Degree+ hours for instance are frowned upon by Mater Dei lecturers, who sometimes unofficially schedule lectures at these times. Students are more supported by student organizations such as MUSC and Wolves RFC, rather than by UM itself.
Students are left to their own devices. Even when athletes get permission to miss lectures, National Footballer Andrew Hogg lamented that they do not get any substitute solution.
Whilst University remains preoccupied with how well students do in exams, its efforts our counterproductive. The link between exercise and thinking skills has been proven, and depriving us of the former will only deplete our academic performance.
With regards to mental health De Gabriele argued that despite the significant improvement, the counselling services introduced on campus are inefficient. For one, sessions are limited to 10 for less than extreme cases, and there are long waiting times after booking till the first appointment.
Psychologist Charlene Duca promoted the prevention of mental health issues by starting a conversation and reducing the stigma. Thankfully the number of different mental health campaigns is increasing.
UM has to promote this conversation as an institution to be at the forefront of this issue, Duca continued, and ease students into a speedy recovery or prevent the problem altogether. Esposito agreed, adding that lecturers should start the conversation and approach the issue internally by discussing mental health respective to different faculties.
Duca concluded that despite the justifiable pressure on the university, the change also has to come from the students to commit to a lifestyle change and integrate exercise within their day-to-day schedule.