Pursuant to the HCU SDG Policy 2022, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) has introduced a comprehensive mental health initiative, Mental Health is ALSO Wealth, aimed at supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its students. This innovative program, organized by the Psychological Unit of the Office of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Work and Welfare, Faculty of Nursing, HCU Polyclinic, and Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers free mental health support at three levels: prevention, personal life balance, and treatment.
This initiative addresses a critical need for mental health resources among today’s students, who face unprecedented levels of academic pressure, social challenges, and emotional stress. By offering a tiered approach to mental health, the program empowers students to take control of their well-being in a way that feels accessible, supportive, and non-stigmatizing.
The first level, prevention, promotes daily practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and traditional Chinese techniques, including mobilizing and pressing pressure points to relieve stress, helping students develop habits that contribute to resilience and mental clarity. These preventive activities are essential for promoting physical and mental health, which in turn boosts students’ academic performance and emotional stability.
The second level, student-personal life balance, provides access to personal advisers who guide students in choosing and scheduling their activities to prevent burnout. This support is especially vital in today’s high-paced world, where students often juggle academics, part-time jobs, and personal obligations. By helping students create balanced routines, the program reduces stress and fosters a healthier approach to managing responsibilities.
The final level, treatment, ensures that students have access to trained university guidance counselors and psychologists for more focused support. Students experiencing deeper emotional challenges can schedule consultations, and for cases that require specialized care, the program facilitates referrals to external specialists or psychiatrists, ensuring students receive the care they need. Importantly, students are given the autonomy to choose their preferred consultants, fostering a sense of control and comfort in their mental health journey.
The Mental Health is ALSO Wealth program is significant not only for its immediate support to students but also for the long-term skills it instills. This initiative acknowledges the unique mental health challenges of today’s generation, including the pressures of social media, academic competitiveness, and global uncertainties. By providing accessible, holistic support, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University is setting a precedent in higher education for prioritizing mental health, equipping students with essential tools for resilience, and fostering a campus culture where well-being is as valued as academic achievement. This initiative ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also mentally fortified to thrive in their personal and professional lives.