Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your awareness of the mental health needs of nursing students

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To understand the reasons why nursing students may be reluctant to seek support for their mental health

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To consider how clinical staff can support nursing students’ mental health during clinical placements

Nursing students are at risk of suboptimal mental health due to factors that are common to all students and factors that are specific to nursing courses. Supporting nursing students’ mental health is important not only for each student’s well-being but also for the nursing workforce as a whole. A systematic review of the literature on nursing students’ experiences of seeking support for their mental health shows that they favour talking to friends and family and are more ambiguous towards professional support. Stigma is one of the main barriers to seeking support. Clinical and academic staff need to be aware that students may be reluctant to seek help for their mental health. Peer support networks in clinical areas, regular mentorship meetings and supportive relationships between students and staff may all be of benefit.