Mental Health Support is Essential to Int’l Student Success
The pre-pandemic education community was already feeling the weight of providing mental health support to this specific, yet diverse group. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the international student population is often the “overlooked minority” saying that, “Even under regular circumstances, international students are more prone to mental disorders (e.g., depression), struggling with the local medical system, and less motivated to seek psychological service than their domestic peers.” The Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection goes on to report that the pandemic and post-pandemic landscape has only magnified the challenges faced by these students and the professionals who seek to provide a safe and successful educational environment for them.
What can schools and universities do to provide for this “overlooked minority”?
Just Be There
When students know the door is open they are more likely to reach out. I routinely sit in the Media Center of my school to grade paper and plan lessons. Since students know that I am usually there; eventually, they started showing up. Sometimes it was as simple as needing to get something off their chest. Occasionally, it was bigger than that. Either way, I was there to help them take the next step.
Create Routine When There isn’t Any
In a time of uncertainty, creating a routine for students can be very comforting. Students resuming the rhythms of daily life as much as possible can improve student mental health by giving them a sense of normalcy that many view as lost to them. Create a routine for students by scheduling periodic meetings virtually or in-person, if possible. Use this time to allow students to socialize freely or participate in a structured activity. For example, high school international students in my program participated in a virtual talent show. Students submitted traditional talents like playing musical instruments, and less orthodox submission included spinning baskets while making a bowl of cereal.
Help Yourself by Helping Others
Our international students are part of our community. They love the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way. Service projects can be a great way to relieve feelings of isolation and depression. Service projects help students to connect with their peers and community. For example, students could help organize a clothes closet, collect food for a local food bank, or read to younger students in their school.
Normalize the Conversation on Mental Health
Work with your school counselors to create strong infrastructure. Your school counselors are a wealth of knowledge and expertise whose training prepared them to guide students through academic and emotional difficulties. Utilize small groups and individual sessions with counselors to identify struggling students and possible issues before they evolve into something more serious.
Invite professionals to your school to discuss mental health topics. Mental health is a taboo topic in many cultures. Frequent conversations can help educate students and normalize the concept of mental health within our international student communities. If possible, invite representatives of similar cultural background to your student population to your school to present on mental health topics in a culturally sensitive way. Students appreciate connecting with someone who understands their experiences and perspective.
