Mental Health Support
Being a student can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. University is often described as being the best years of your life but, in reality university life is often a far more complicated mix of emotions and experiences than that. Students are faced with a constant flow of new challenges; moving away from what they know, living independently and balancing a budget, accruing debt, trying to make new friends, trying to get to grips with different methods of teaching and often an awful lot more work to juggle. Coping with new challenges can be rewarding but can also impact your mental health.
If your mental health has started to decline, you may not initially realise that it is your mental health at issue. Symptoms of mental health problems can 'creep up' on you and the cause is not always obvious. You may, for example, start to notice lethargy and memory problems, sleep and appetite issues, constant rumination and procrastination or increasingly negative or anxious thoughts. You may be short tempered when you were previously easy going or find yourself avoiding situations because of a lack of self confidence or anxiety about meeting people or going out.
The main thing to remember is, you are not alone and you can do something about it. Living with poor mental health can be exhausting and the battle can seem endless but, if you find that you start to feel that way, it does not mean you will feel that way forever. If you are living with a mental health problem, or are supporting someone who is, having access to the right information and support is vital.
If you or someone you know are suffering with a mental health issue there are a number of support options available to students within the University:
Urgent Mental Health Support
If you or someone else requires urgent support you can:
- Dial 999 and then also inform Security Dial +44 (0)29 2087 4444: if the situation involves: imminent danger, suicidal intention, possessing a weapon, threats of harm, physical injury, death of a student or terrorism.
- If you need medical assistance but are unsure if it is an emergency, the NHS in Wales offers 24/7 support. Dial 111 or visit NHS 111 Wales.
- NHS Urgent Mental Health Line: For , call NHS 111 and press option 2
- Complete a Report and Supportto get in contact and recieve support from the Student Support Intervention Team
Self help and wellbeing resources
The University have a range of self help and wellbeing resources available on the Student Intranet. This includes information and resources for managing stress, anger, perfectionism and procrastination.
Mental Health self-help resources
FAQs
What support can the University provide for my mental health?
If you would like support for your mental health the Counselling and Wellbeing Service are able to offer face to face and online appointments and self help resources.
If you have a long term mental health illness then you may be able to access specialist support and help from a Mental Health Adviser and further support may be available from the Student Disability Service.
Your Personal Tutor can also offer support in terms of your studies.
I am concerned that my studies are being impacted, is there anything that I can do?
Student Advice can help. Our advice includes;
- How to report Extenuating Circumstances to the University;
- How to submit an Academic Appeal if you have missed the extenuating circumstances deadline, or your circumstances have been rejected;
- How to take an Interruption of Study and what you need to think about when deciding what to do;
- Housing options;
- Signpost you to other support services.
We will talk to you about your situation and offer advice tailored to your needs.
What help is available external to the University?
Your GP is a good starting point for accessing support. They may be able to refer you for further support or may prescribe medication.
Urgent mental health support via the NHS is available 24 hours 7 days a week by calling NHS 111 Wales and selecting option 2.
There are several agencies that provide free support for mental health issues, these include C.A.L.L Mental Health Helpline, Mind and Anxiety UK. For more information please contact Student Advice.
How can I look after my mental health and wellbeing during my studies?
Stay connected! It is important to talk about how you are feeling, this could be with family or trusted friends. Take time for yourself and do something that brings you peace and happiness, this could be a trip to the beach, planning a trip with friends or doing a creative activity. Ultimately – be kind to yourself!
Physical activity helps to maintain your wellbeing as does eating a well balanced diet.
It is important to talk about your mental health and remember that there is no shame in asking for help and accessing the support that you deserve.
I am worried about my friend – how can I support them?
If you feel that the student may be a risk to themselves or others, then call 999 immediately.
You can make a referral to the University Support Services using the Report and Support tool. This can be done anonymously.
Urgent mental health support via the NHS is available 24 hours 7 days a week by calling NHS 111 Wales and selecting option 2.
I think I need to take a break from my studies – what are my options?
Contact Student Advice who are able to discuss your options including Extenuating Circumstances, Interruption of Study and Withdrawing from Study.
How can I manage my stress levels?
The feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress. The act of taking control is in itself empowering. Work smart not harder – leave the least important tasks to last and accept that you will not have time for everything.
The NHS offer 10 suggestions to help you alleviate stress – find out more here.