University of Aberdeen students have called on their faculty to step up mental health services on campus following the tragic death of a young female student.
Group, The Students of Aberdeen University (SoAU) wrote an open letter which stated mental health issues can’t be “ignored and underfunded anymore”.
The letter stated in full: “It was with deep sorrow here at SoAU that we learned of the death of a UoA-student this past weekend. We have been alarmed and troubled by this, as we feel it points to a serious existing problem within our university. Mental health issues and their very serious consequences cannot be ignored and underfunded anymore.
“A lot of the students we have interviewed throughout the past 14 months have struggled with anxiety, depression, panic attacks and other mental illnesses. In fact, the very first student on our page shared his story of living with depression. However, these are just the people who felt comfortable talking about it. The real number of people with mental health issues is much higher than we think.
“Something all of those people have in common is that they still battle their illness, by themselves, every single day. This is partly due to the lack of help and resources allocated to fighting the invisible demon that is mental health problems. Whilst help is available at the University of Aberdeen, it is not sufficient: if this remains the case, then more students will potentially be at risk. Our students wait months for counselling services, even in emergencies. Psychiatrists seem to be a scarcity at our medical practice.
“Students, do not stay silent. Mental health issues are more common than you think and a lot of your peers are going through the same thing. It takes a lot of strength to talk about mental health issues, which is why we need help available at our university for those who seek help, so that when they do find the courage to seek support, there will be someone to listen to them.
“Mental issues can be quiet illnesses and often they remain silent and hidden, but this does not mean that we should ignore them or not take them seriously. We need to devote more resources to mental health and provide more support to our students.
“All the students at our institution make up a community of people with incredible voices. Let’s not allow mental health issues to silence these voices.
Emergency services were called to Hillhead accommodation on Don Street early on the morning, of March 18, but the girl – named locally as Emily Drouet – could not be saved.”
Students at Aberdeen University’s law school were told about the tragedy in an e-mail from head of faculty Anne-Michelle Slater.
It read: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned this morning of the death of Emily Drouet, who was in her first year [at law school].
“Our sincere condolences go to Emily’s family and friends, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
The statement added: “I know that this sad news will be very upsetting for Emily’s friends at the school.
“I have alerted my colleagues here, so that we can offer support through personal tutors and teaching teams, in addition to that available from student support services in the hub, halls of residence and university chaplaincies.”
The group posted the heartfelt letter on their official social media account after Emily died earlier this month.
Students commented on the letter shortly afterwards, expressing sympathy and disappointment with University bosses for the way mental health is dealt with on campus.
Aga Kartasinska, said: “As a “depression survivor” (if you can even say that) I must say that there is a great stigma regarding any mental health issues. I lost family, friends and opportunities because of the illness but I also gained strength and wisdom.
“I believe resources that university allocates for mental health awareness and help should definitely be reviewed!”
Gabby Hayes, a former student who says she dropped out commented: “The pastoral care at this university is a joke at best and nonexistent at worse. It’s the main reason I quit my degree. I hope UoA are truly ashamed of this and address the issues rather than brush it under the carpet.”
A University spokes person said the university worked closely with the students’ association and had a number of student support services in place, including counselling and the Aberdeen Students’ Nightline.”
The university is subscribed to Big White Wall which provides 24/7 online support for students experiencing mental health concerns.
