Let's talk about it

University can be amazing and lots of fun, but there are lots of things students experience every day that can bring you down.

Sometimes balancing your finances, studies, relationships, lifestyle, health and well-being, your social life and more can be a bit much.

Are you surprised?

Sometimes it can lead to students dropping out before speaking about what they're experiencing. But, thousands of students are affected by mental illness so, if you're one of them, you aren't alone and it really does help to get things off your chest! 

Have you experienced any of these recently or noticed a change in a friend's behaviour?

• Exhaustion. Feeling tired, but when it comes to sleeping you're wide awake. Or are you starting to spend a bit too much time in bed?
• Isolating yourself. Spending more time in your room away from others and avoiding conversations with people. 
• Unmotivated. Cancelling plans or just constantly declining offers. Skipping lectures and missing deadlines. Becoming uninterested in your favourite Netflix show or not even feeling like playing your favourite sport.
• Nervous. Feeling uncomfortable in situations that you didn't before, like going round to your friend's flat.
• Lack of appetite. You don't feel up to eating and when you do eat, you pick at your food and you're not really that hungry. 

If your friend hasn't seemed ok, reach out to them and help them the best you can - it could be as simple as having a chat on your walk to uni. If you think they need further support, point them in the right direction!

Who can you talk to?Use the Christmas break to speak to your parents/family about how you're feeling and be honest instead of hiding behind WhatsApp and Skype. Mention how you feel about your course and accommodation or what you're not enjoying. 

8 in 10 students wanted support from their university to discuss their well-being and unhappiness and that's why we want to help:

• Warden's Team: this is a very good point to start. A duty RA is available in your hall and you can speak to them informally about your problems. They can then direct you somewhere to get more help or maybe this is all you've needed: unloading.
• Your college: they will have a dedicated team in Student Services that you can talk to - each college will have a slightly different offering, but they're all there to help you when you need it.
• 24/7 confidential helpline: as a resident of Intercollegiate Hall you've got access to a 24/7 helpline with professionals handling the calls. If there is a need, you will also be able to access up to 6 sessions of professional therapy.
• Nightline: is a confidential listening and non-advisory support service open at night and run by students for students.
• Samaritans Helpline: is for those who are experiencing high levels of distress. Contact this 24-hour helpline on 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• Students Against Depression: is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by stress, low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Nobody said being a student was easy, but there's plenty of support out there for you - always talk about how you're feeling!