Last Monday the results from the SHoT-survey were presented, where more than 62.000 Norwegian students responded. The survey showed that a growing number of students are struggling mentally.
– We have worked actively to provide a good psychosocial offer to students throughout the entire pandemic. Many have taken advantage of the counselling service, and we have received positive feedback from our students. However, as the results from the survey were so disheartening, we want to strengthen the offer so we can provide quicker help to more students. The psychologist offer from the student welfare organisation in Oslo’s is in high demand, so to help ensure quick help to those that are struggling the most, we have entered an agreement with Nydalen medical centre, says Inge Jan Henjesand, President at BI Norwegian Business School.
How can the students get help?
Students that are interested in the offer can send an email to Student Counselling at counselling@bi.no. BI’s own student counsellors will facilitate a meeting with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Students at BI’s campuses in Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger will also receive help by using this email address. There is an ongoing process to establish a similar agreement for psychological help at the other campuses.
Many students do not know what kind of help they need. Some just need someone to talk to, help to find a study group, or tips on how to get to know other students. Others need more professional help. These will now be redirected and quickly followed up by a psychologist or psychiatrist, says adviser Vibeke E. Aarflot.
With strict infection control measures, it has been challenging to carry out activities for students, both indoors and outdoors. For the past weeks, Student Counselling has therefore handed out baguettes with information about BI’s counselling service to students studying at campus. This has been very popular, and many students have reached out due to this measure.
– Students are very thankful for the help they receive. At BI, we help everyone that wants to talk to us about everything from examination nerves, heartbreak, or greater and more profound challenges, finishes Vibe Aarflot.