If you are worried about your mental health and wellbeing, it’s common to feel unsure about what to do or how to get help. Remember that you are not alone in how you are feeling. You may feel overwhelmed and helpless, but there are things you can do to help.
- Try to relax and reduce stress by going for a walk, listening to music, taking a shower, etc.
- Take a break if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation
- Do something you enjoy, like a hobby or getting in touch with a friend
- Try to manage stress
- Focus on the present using mindfulness techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises
- Be cautious about how much time you’re spending online and the type of content you’re engaging with
This video from Mind highlights 8 relaxation tips to help you look after your mental health.
It’s important to talk to others about how you’re feeling whether that be someone you trust such as a friend or family member, or a qualified professional. You should never feel worried or ashamed about asking for help.
If you are worried about your mental health or are generally struggling with everyday life, you should contact your local GP. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and your GP is there to help you with both. They can assess you and help you understand what you are experiencing, as well as offering support and treatment such as medication or lifestyle changes. They can also refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment. It’s important to remember that you have options, and you are entitled to choose whichever option works best for you.
If you feel that you are in crisis and can no longer cope, you should contact a recognised psychological wellbeing practitioner.
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, you should contact the local emergency services.
University support services
- Report and Support allows students and staff to report incidents either anonymously or with contact details for follow-up. The service also provides information on a range of different incidents, along with both internal and external support services.
- Student Wellbeing Services can provide information and advice to help support students for a number of issues and direct them to more specialist support services. They also have a counselling service which provides one-to-one, confidential support for students, in the form of short-term counselling or referral to specialised support services.
- The Advice Hub offer free, impartial and confidential advice to students about a range of issues, including mental health and wellbeing.
- Respect Ambassadors are staff members who can provide confidential guidance and support to staff who have witnessed or experienced inappropriate behaviour or are having a difficult time.
- Care First is a health package for staff, which offers support for a range of practical and emotional issues, as well as one-to-one counselling sessions.