Mental Health and Wellbeing
What is mental health and wellbeing?
Mental health and wellbeing refer to your emotional, psychological, and social health. It affects how you think, feel, and behave, and influences how you cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Everyone’s mental health can fluctuate, and it is normal to need support at times. Experiences can range from temporary stress and anxiety to longer-term mental health conditions.
I am worried about my mental health and wellbeing
It is normal to need help, and you are not alone. There are a number of actions you can take: Talk, Report, and Get support.
Your safety and wellbeing
- Are you in danger? If you feel that you may harm yourself, or are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- Find a safe space. If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted person or safe space immediately.
- Seek support. Consider whether you need medical support or emotional support. This could be from a friend, family member, colleague, or a professional such as a counsellor or mental wellbeing advisor. Further information about support services can be found [insert link].
Document what is happening
Keep a record of how you are feeling, events that trigger distress, and any steps you have taken to manage it. This can help you identify patterns and will be useful if you decide to seek formal support.
Consider reporting and seeking support
Report + Support. If your concerns relate to aspects of your work or study environment affecting your mental wellbeing, you can share details using the University’s Report and Support system. You can do this anonymously or request to speak to an advisor confidentially.
University procedures and resolution. If your mental wellbeing concerns relate to treatment by another individual (e.g., bullying, harassment, discrimination or another kind of harm), University procedures may provide formal steps to follow. If you are being subjected to any of these types of behaviour, you can find further information on the support pages. [Insert link]
Take your time.
You don’t have to make decisions immediately. Take the time you need to understand your options and discuss them with a mental wellbeing advisor.
Where to get support
- University counselling and wellbeing services [insert link]
- Mental wellbeing advisors [insert link]
- External mental health support organisations and helplines [insert link]
- Student Minds
I’m worried about the mental health and wellbeing of someone I know
Supporting someone through a mental health concern can be challenging. There are several ways you can help.
Listen without judgement or interruption
Allow them to lead the conversation and share what they are comfortable with. Avoid “why” questions that could sound blaming. Use supportive phrases such as:
- “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
- “I’m here for you.”
- “It’s okay to feel this way.”
Believe them
Mental health experiences are real, and believing the person is one of the most powerful forms of support.
Understand the context
Mental health concerns may be influenced by ongoing stress, workplace pressures, or wider personal circumstances. Acknowledge that their experience is valid, even if you cannot fully understand it.
Offer practical help and options
Ask what they would like from you:
- “Would you like me to help you contact a mental wellbeing advisor?”
- “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
- “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide?”
Help them explore options without pressuring them into any specific action.
Respect their decisions
Whether they choose to seek support or not is their choice. Respect their timing and feelings if they are not ready to act.
Look after yourself too
Supporting someone can take an emotional toll. Make sure you seek support if needed and recognise your own limits in how much support you can give someone.
Educate yourself
Learn about mental health and wellbeing, common experiences, and available support. This reduces the burden on the person affected and allows you to provide informed support.