Students' mental health problems: a critical inquiry

The aim of this study was to examine the subjective and environmental factors underlying students categorized as "single reports" reporting to the Academic Mental Health Consulting (MHC) units in Poland. An attempt was made to verify a common assumption that so called low-achieving students use the health care system to find legitimate excuses for their academic and personal failures. Obtaining a doctor's certificate explaining their health status provides people with many "privileges". This study revealed a discrepancy between the "official" description of 1740 student files and their subjective reasons for contacting the MHC obtained through a questionnaire. The study further revealed a lack of student follow up as recommended by the MHC. The study findings seem to confirm the assumed misuse of the health care system by underachieving students. A recommendation was made as how we can reduce this misuse of students services.