### UABC Students Face Mental Health Issues, Study Reveals
A recent study conducted by the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) has brought to light that one-third of its students are experiencing mental health issues exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the university’s rector, Luis Enrique Palafox Maestre, these findings prompted the institution to host its First Forum on Mental Health and Higher Education.
The forum, which took place at the University Theater on the Mexicali campus, showcased various specialists in psychology discussing the topic at length. Notably, the event saw the partnership announcement between UABC and the American Psychological Association (APA), marking the first time this global body has signed a collaboration agreement with a university.
Palafox Maestre emphasized that addressing mental health issues is a cornerstone of his administration, given the substantial impact of the pandemic on the university community’s mental wellbeing.
In 2023, an internal study involving 18,337 students was conducted to assess their mental health. The results were startling: one-third reported issues ranging from depression to anxiety. Although not all these problems were directly caused by the pandemic, lockdowns significantly intensified them.
As part of the response to these findings, the university has set up mental health committees that will soon begin implementing protocols to address these issues. The forum featured prominent figures such as Amanda Clinton, Director of APA, Maria Elena Medina Mora, Director of the Faculty of Psychology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and Corina Berget, a researcher at the National Institute of Psychiatry.
Heidi Zúñiga Amaya, Director of the Faculty of Human Sciences at UABC, expressed enthusiasm over the historic agreement with APA, signaling numerous forthcoming projects and collaborative efforts focused on mental health in higher education.
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### Secondary Article: Global Concerns and Measures on Student Mental Health
Parallel to the findings at UABC, similar concerns about student mental health have emerged globally. Multiple studies indicate that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on students’ mental health worldwide.
**United States:**
A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 63% of young adults experienced substantial symptoms of anxiety or depression since the pandemic began. Universities have responded by increasing mental health services and introducing innovative programs to support student well-being.
**United Kingdom:**
According to a study by King’s College London, the incidence of mental health issues among students has nearly doubled during the pandemic. Universities UK, an organization representing 140 universities in the UK, has called for more robust policies and additional funding to tackle this crisis.
**Australia:**
In Australia, Beyond Blue, a mental health support organization, reported a 15% increase in calls from students experiencing anxiety and stress. The Australian government has allocated additional funds to universities to improve mental health services and support students.
The growing concern about student mental health is a shared global issue that calls for comprehensive strategies, increased funding for mental health services, and international collaboration, much like the partnership between UABC and APA.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates on mental health initiatives and educational reforms worldwide.
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