1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England and 1 in 5 people will have suicidal thoughts. These figures are still rising, and something drastic needs to change to protect those who are vulnerable.
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is focused on loneliness which affects many people at one time or another. Loneliness can be a driver for and a product of poor mental health.
Here, Student Circuit highlights the best resources to help you protect and improve your mental health. Mental health problems are as common among students as they are in the general population. University brings with it a host of new emotions during a time of immense change. You might face challenges including meeting new people, stress of deadlines, managing finances, coping with homesickness and balancing the demands of studying with other responsibilities and commitments.
It’s okay not to feel okay. Coping with new challenges can have a huge impact on your mental health. Student Circuit want to empower you to speak up, despite how difficult it can be. It’s important to tell someone how you feel as this may bring an immediate sense of relief.
Your university wellbeing centre
Every university will be able to offer you some free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support. It might be called something different at your university, but if you search for ‘mental wellbeing services’ on your university website or student portal, you should be greeted by a host of services. They are likely to have mental health advisors, counsellors and online resources so it’s a great place to go and make the most of the support available.
Calm
Calm helps people to lower their stress, anxiety, improve focus and improve sleep quality using guided meditations, sleep stories and breathing classes. Its mission is to make the world a happier and healthier place.
StayAlive
Pocket suicide prevention app StayAlive provides vital information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis. It can be used if you are having suicidal thoughts or if you are concerned about someone else. The app allows you to create a safety and wellness plan, get help from emergency and crisis support services, and create a LifeBox, a place to store import images and videos that are important to you. it also allows you to select your own personal reasons for living, giving you reasons to stay positive and help you through a difficult time.
Mindbox
Using Mindbox allows access to a library of evidence-based treatment programmes. As a UK college or university student you can access Mindbox free for six months. The website also has a host of free resources available to everyone, including calming and relaxing audios and videos.
Headspace
Headspace aims to be your mind’s best friend, there for you to get through difficult times and find joy in every day. The app uses science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools helping you create habits to support mental health. The app claims to reduce stress by 14% in 10 days, and help you relax your mind in minutes.
Access free online support and resources:
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
You can get involved and help raise awareness by actively checking on those around you. Send a message to a friend or family member and ask how they are, and then ask how they REALLY feel. This could be all someone needs to hear to finally confide and access help and support.
Together we can inspire change and raise awareness of mental health struggles.
