Proactive Free Mental Health Care for Students   

Mental health is a crucial factor that influences the success and happiness of students in their daily lives. Walailak University recognizes this importance and has established the Smile & Smart Center and Psychiatric Clinic to provide students with access to mental health support with free of charge. The goal is to help actively promote good mental health and prepare students to effectively face the various challenges in life.

The root causes of mental health issues among students often stem from various factors, such as academic stress, social pressure, or adjusting to university life. These challenges can lead some students to experience depression, stress, or anxiety, which may disrupt both their studies and daily lives.

In response to these issues, Walailak University launched the Smile & Smart Center initiative in 2018, focusing on providing proactive mental health services. Rather than waiting for students to seek help, the university conducts annual mental health assessments, such as the Depression Assessment (PHQ-9) and the Stress and Anxiety Assessment (DASS-21), to identify at-risk students and provide timely support.

When signs of mental health issues are detected, students are referred to the Smile & Smart Center, Psychiatric Clinic, and Walailak University Medical Center Hospital for comprehensive psychological care. This service not only enhances students’ life satisfaction but also helps them better understand and adapt to various situations in their daily lives.

In 2023, the Smile Clinic of the School of Nursing at Walailak University continued to provide free assessments and counseling to students, university staff, and external individuals, serving a total of 103 people. The mental health issues identified among students, staff, and others included depression, stress, and anxiety. The most commonly diagnosed conditions were MDD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The clinic’s services yielded consistently positive outcomes, with 65% of cases successfully closed, 22% requiring ongoing care, and 13% needing referral to the Psychiatric Clinic for further treatment.

Throughout 2023, the Smile & Smart Center organized over 20 activities aimed at building psychological resilience and enhancing students’ problem-solving skills. These activities included training sessions, workshops, and learning support initiatives.