Mental Health Awareness Week: where to get support

Mental Health Awareness Week, an initiative of The Mental Health Foundation since 1949. Their vision is for a world with good mental health for all. This year's theme is Anxiety. It is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

The transition from school to university, or from university to the world of work, can be difficult – the stresses of exams, study deadlines and the many social, practical and financial situations you have to deal with in between.

There are now more sources of support for students than ever before, and these are well worth being aware of, even if you feel on top of everything now. You never know when you, or someone you care about, might need them.

Mental health help

 In addition to services like SHOUT, a free, confidential support text line, you will find a wealth of resources online. The Mind and Student Minds websites cover a wide variety of issues, from social anxiety to surviving Freshers’ Week, and will help to reassure you that you are not alone if you feel like you need extra support. There is also information on mental health services, and student mental health in particular, on the NHS website.

Your university will have a range of support services in place – from welfare officers to counselling services and support groups. Your Student Union will be a good place to start finding out how to access these.

Opening up about mental health

Sharing your concerns with others may feel difficult, but it’s a vital step – there is likely to be someone going through a similar experience, and they may be closer than you think. Simply being able to support each other will make a big difference to both of you. While it may not feel like it at the time, you can get through your issues with time and support – and many who have done so put their experiences to good use by becoming volunteers for, and supporting the work of, mental health charities and awareness groups.

If it’s a friend whose mental health you are concerned about, it can be a difficult subject to bring up. You may find this guide from Student Minds helpful.

If you would like to talk to someone yourself, all iQ residents have access to the 24/7 SHOUT text service. The service is confidential and can be accessed anywhere, at anytime. Simply text “SHOUT” to 85258 to have a conversation with one of their trained volunteers.