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Students in crisis: This is how mental health is suffering now!
On June 5, 2025, UNI Weimar is offering numerous health events for students and employees to promote well-being.
Students in crisis: This is how mental health is suffering now!
Today, June 5, 2025, Family and Health Day at the Bauhaus University Weimar is all about promoting student health. In view of the alarming developments in the mental health of students, which are documented in the new study by the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the events offered are particularly relevant.
The TK study shows a worrying deterioration in health among students. Compared to the 2015 survey, only 61% rate their health as very good or good; in the previous survey it was 84%. The proportion of students who often feel stressed has increased from 23% to 44%. Stress factors such as exams, multiple burdens from studying or work and financial worries contribute significantly to increasing stress.
Diverse offers for all participant groups
As part of the Health Day, the university offers a variety of events. For students, the exchange forum “Studying Mentally Fit” will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. with Falk Schuster in the main building. There are also various impulse lectures, including “Learning and Exam Preparation” and “Getting Through the Exam with More Calmness,” both with psychologist Dana Peters, which are held online.
The “Healthy Doctorate” seminar with Franziska Matthes was set up for doctoral students from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. University employees can take part in laughter yoga or functional gymnastics 50 Plus, which are offered in the late afternoon hours. There are also joint activities and exercise training that are intended to encourage participants to regenerate and relax.
Urgent need for action in student health
The current situation with student health calls for a rethink at universities. 35% of students feel burdened by the consequences of the corona pandemic, with digital teaching formats often being perceived as problematic. Students who rate digital teaching as inadequate are particularly stressed because they experience social isolation and a lack of exercise. It is emphasized that better design of teaching formats and more mental health offerings are essential.
Mental health is increasingly perceived as a central but often neglected part of studying. High academic pressure, accompanied by financial stress, further increases this pressure. Among students, 20-33% suffer from mental disorders, and an alarming 25% have suicidal thoughts. Effective solutions such as mindfulness, exercise or access to professional help are all the more important.
At a time when universities are increasingly focusing on the issue of health, urgent measures must be taken. The need for preventative measures, such as ergonomic chairs or health-promoting lecture designs, is enormous. A collaborative approach, driven by offerings like today's events, could significantly improve the situation of many vulnerable students.
The university offers today are not only a reaction to the results of the study, but also a step towards more comprehensive health promotion at the points of contact with student life.