Mar
University Mental Health Day 2016: How can we help?
Today is University Mental Health Day. This is a national day to raise awareness of mental health in students and to offer support and information for those going through a mental health problem. Did you know that as many as 1 in every 4 people experience some kind of mental health issue in any given year, but there are places that you can get help and ensure that you don’t have to suffer in silence!
Within the Union there are multiple places where you can get help for any issues you may be facing. One invaluable service that is run by students is the Nightline service. You can call Nightline 8pm-8am every night during term time on 02380 595 236 (or free from halls on 25236), and they provide a confidential and anonymous listening service. Alternatively, The Advice Centre is extremely useful, offering students free, confidential and practical advice from trained advisers.
The university offer some vital services too. Firstly, your Personal Academic Tutor will be a great help if you feel a mental health issue is affecting your studies; they can point you in the direction of how to go about applying for special measures if they are needed. The university itself also has an enabling service, which hold drop in sessions every weekday during term time between 1pm and 3pm in Building 37. It encompasses a wide variety of support for students with disabilities, mental health issues or specific learning difficulties. They also have a special crisis team that can offer access to counselling.
If you would like to meet like-minded people to gain a sense of support within a group setting, why not check out the Southampton branch of Student Minds. They train and educate students on how to deal with mental health issues, as well as how to help other people with mental health issues.
No matter which service you decide to use, the important thing is that in using these services you are making the first steps into treating any mental health issues you may be facing. Remember, there is no need to suffer in silence!
Tags: Academic Tutor, advice, Advice Centre, confidential, FREE, help, listening service, Nightline, service, students, Students Union, support, university, University Mental Health Day 2016