Looking after your Mental Health

Attending university marks a big transitional period in a lot of students' lives. We understand that for many students this can sometimes be triggering or have an impact on your mental wellbeing. We have detailed a few signposting options below to help you find the help that you might need. However, if you feel you need further assistance, please reach out for further signposting with one of our advisors or reach out to the university's AskUs team. We also offer peer-to-peer support with our student Rafiki team during term time.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in the UK and they can manifest themselves in different ways. Whilst everyone can feel sad or worried from time to time, if your feelings are becoming so strong that they are affecting your life it is important to seek help.

Many find it hard however, to admit that they are struggling, perhaps because they are scared of being thought of as ’weak’ or being told to ‘pull themselves together’. These ideas are unhelpful and untrue, but stigmas can make students reluctant to seek help for their mental health. For those who may be experiencing an issue for the first time, it can be hard to know where to turn for help.

Mind, the mental health charity, have extensive factsheets about anxiety and depression. You can find a downloadable copy of these on their website.

The Samaritans provide confidential, non judgemental support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can contact them by phone on the national number 08457 90 90 90.

No Panic offers support for sufferers of panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders.

Alternatively, connecting online with others can help students to open up about issues they wouldn’t otherwise feel comfortable sharing. Online services include Mind's Elefriends and Silent Secret - an app for young people aged 11-19.

Exam Stress

There are lots of tips on preparing for exams and coping with exam stress from making a clear revision plan well in advance and sticking to it, to taking lots of breaks, having plenty of sleep, doing some exercise, limiting your caffeine intake at night time and eating plenty of light, nourishing food. The important point to remember is that the stress you’re feeling shouldn’t become overwhelming, and if it does you should speak to someone sooner rather than later.

You can find out more about coping with exam stress, and activities to help take your mind off exams, on our dedicated exam stress section. You can call and speak to the University's askUS desk in University House in person, by emailing askUS@salford.ac.uk, or by phoning 0161 295 0023.

If there is a likelihood that you cannot attend an exam due to serious personal mitigating circumstance, then seek advice from the Union's Advice Centre by emailing su-advicecentre@salford.ac.uk. Further information you can find the Personal Mitigating Circumstances Procedure on the University website.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can take many forms. However the major ones are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. You can find more information by looking at the Beat website or calling their helpline on 0345 634 1414. This helpline is available to anyone over the age of 18 and is open Monday and Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm. If you need support outside of these hours you can email them at help@b-eat.co.uk.

Suicidal Thoughts

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, then you should try to talk to someone about these thoughts before making any decisions. 

The Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can contact them by phone on the national number 08457 90 90 90.

You can also contact the Manchester and Salford branch on 0161 236 8000 or speak to someone in person, at 72-74 Oxford St, Manchester.

For more information about suicidal thoughts, the cause, what to do, and the help and support available please visit the website for Mind.

HOPElineUK is a specialist telephone helpline who give non-judgmental support, practical advice and information to young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about themselves or for anyone who is concerned about a young person. They listen in confidence and try to help you deal with your own suicidal thoughts or cope with someone else who may be experiencing these emotions. You can call them on 0800 068 41 41.