"Well-being is something we create together"

In the discussion about the mental health and well-being of children and young people, we have not been good enough at distinguishing between transient discomfort, long-term unhappiness and mental illness.

"The ordinary has been pathologized, and a generation of children and young people have been left with a diagnostic vocabulary to understand common human conditions."

So writes the Well-being Commission in the introduction to their report. And what should we do about it, then?

"First and foremost, we need to be clearer about what we mean when we talk about mental health and well-being. On the one hand, we need to create a good and more tolerable environment for children and young people to grow up in – and at the same time, we need to enable the individual and our communities tolerate more," says Vibeke Koushede and elaborates:

"Of course, no one should be expected to tolerate the intolerable. But whether we like it or not, life also has its challenges and setbacks. Wellbeing is about being able to be in and handle both good and difficult circumstances – and this is a shared responsibility to ensure."

You thrive when you are generally happy with your life. You thrive when you can grow, develop your abilities and participate in and contribute to communities. You can thrive even if you experience periods of adversity and challenges. What matters is that you can handle these periods.

Commission was an eye-opener

Life as a student also ranges from the fun to the difficult. Khalil Abdeddaim himself, who is studying law, was under a lot of pressure during his studies when he became part of the Well-being Commission's work. And the very issues that the commission was working on made him reflect on his own situation.

"I've really gained a better understanding of the fact that just because I'm going through an incredibly tough period, it doesn't mean I'm about to completely break down with stress and have to drop out of my studies," he says and elaborates:

"I had a really hard time when I wrote my bachelor thesis. I was juggling a lot of things at the same time, but I got through it. And I learned something about where my limits are – and what I need to do to not get into the same situation again."

We need to address common misconceptions

Both Vibeke Koushede and Khalil Abdeddaim mention study start as a critical period. Many students are overwhelmed by a flood of information and can feel disconnected before they even get started.

"I think it's important for students to understand that university is not a place where everyone knows everything from the start. There's a reason why studying is a longer process where you gradually learn to become better at many different things," says Khalil Abdeddaim.

Vibeke Koushede adds:

"Many students have the misconception that everyone else fits in better, that everyone else has things under control. We need to be better at articulating the fact that as a student it is completely normal to sometimes feel like you're losing track of things, feeling under pressure and doubting yourself," she says and adds:

"And we can help each other cope e.g. through clear alignment of expectations, clear frameworks and good study groups."

Many great communities

One of the things that can help you through difficult times in student life is a good community.

"There are many opportunities to get involved in different communities as a student at UCPH – not least through all our student associations," says Vibeke Koushede.

She mentions UCPH Student Sports as an example of an organization where both the community and the physical activity can promote your well-being.

Khalil Abdeddaim is a volunteer in the NGO GAME which combines street sports and street culture. After starting law school, he considered quitting volunteering but ended up staying with GAME.

"I had the idea that I was going to opt out of everything that wasn't necessary directed towards my further education. But I realized that GAME gave me a lot of other things that university didn't, and I'm really happy about that today. It gives me a break and a free space. Here, there is nothing related to my studies, it’s all about being part of a community and creating a community for children and young people," he says.

Khalil Abdeddaim believes that you can almost always find some time for hobbies and community activities outside of your studies.

"It doesn't have to be organized as an association. I know people who meet in a coffee club. Others go for a walk with friends almost once a week," he mentions.

Well-being is a shared responsibility

Vibeke Koushede is Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, which in recent years has worked to improve student well-being. This has been done as part of SAMF Student Life, including the initiative "Together at SAMF – the ABCs of mental health at the university".

"The goal is to raise awareness among students about what they can do to strengthen their own mental health and wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of others. The project aims to promote communities and a good study environment by focusing on the context and conditions in the study programmes and on campus," she explains.

At the same time, the University of Copenhagen and five other universities have given a well-being pledge in collaboration with DJØF's Wellbeing Alliance. The goal is to improve student well-being by including it into academic activities.

"Here at the university, promoting mental health and well-being requires efforts from both students and teachers. We must therefore incorporate well-being into the programmes - for example, by ensuring that teachers have the right tools to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. And that we make efforts that strengthen the students' sense of belonging to their education. We are one another’s study and work environment," concludes Vibeke Koushede.

Read briefly about the Well-being Commission's recommendations or read the full report here (both in Danish).