Worrying about someone else’s mental health and wellbeing can be particularly distressing and can often have an impact on your own mental health. It’s important that you take time for yourself and seek support if you need it.
There are many reasons that someone else’s mental health and wellbeing may become a concern. They may have explicitly expressed that they are struggling, or you may simply have noticed significant changes in them, such as their appearance, their mood or their behaviours.
Some changes that may cause concern could include:
- Significant weight loss/gain
- No longer looking after their personal hygiene or appearance
- Changes to their mood and/or behaviour that are not typically normal for them, such as sadness, becoming withdrawn or becoming increasingly angry or aggressive
- No longer engaging socially and giving up on their studies
- Excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
Helping someone who is struggling with their mental health can often be daunting, though it is important to be honest with them. Approach them gently and tell them that you are worried about them and would like to help them if you can.
Listen and let them express how they are feeling and what has made them feel this way. It is important to be open; show understanding and compassion and do not pass any judgement on the decisions they have made.
Once they have told you how they are feeling, you can encourage them to get help. Suggest that they talk to someone that they trust or encourage them to submit a report using Report and Support or contact the Student Wellbeing Services.
If they are not willing to seek help, you can express your concerns by submitting an informed or anonymous report, or you can talk confidentially to someone within the Student Wellbeing Services.
UK Based Students
If the person is presenting a harm to themselves, you should contact the University SafeGuarding Services by calling 0131 451 3500 or by using the SafeZone App, who can arrange emergency services. You can also contact NHS 24 on 111 for advice.
If the person is severely mentally unwell and you think they may need a hospital admission or intensive home treatment, you can contact the Mental Health Assessment Service (MHAS) to make a referral. MHAS is based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital 24 hours a day. For emergency referrals that require same day input, please call 0131 286 8137.
In case of emergency, you should contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).