Mental health support

I'm returning to education this year (at age 28) and applying for courses with a foundation year and I'm wondering which universities offer a good support system for those with mental health issues. I suffer from anxiety problems and a long-term illness (bipolar type II) and as I've found it really difficult to access help through local mental health services I'm wondering if this will be the case at university. I didn't recieve any support at college and as a result, I had to drop out to focus on getting help instead. I'm considering applying to Bristol, Sheffield, Nottingham, Plymouth and UWE but I've read some pretty discouraging things about the way universities treat mental health issues and I'm starting to question whether I should even apply at all. Does anybody know if these universities have decent support services?

Thanks.

Reply 1

Blue_Cow

Original post by MsBathory

https://thetab.com/2017-mental-health-rankings

This table ranks universities by various metrics. I'm not sure how reliable it is, but it's a start.

Reply 2

University of Plymouth

Official Rep

Original post by MsBathory

Hi @MsBathory,

I'm so glad you're considering study at Plymouth! I've just graduated, and I loved it here. Plymouth is incredibly supportive when it comes to mental health issues. I myself had some difficulties in this area during my degree, and I received some excellent help which really helped me push through and get my degree. I will go ahead and list some of the services available for you - please do let me know if you'd like to find out more or ask me any questions! :smile:

1. Mental health support drop in - dropping in gives you chance to have a quick 10-15 minute chat with a Mental Health Advisor without having to book an appointment. During this time you can both come up with an ongoing plan.

2. Making an appointment for counselling, wellbeing, or mental health.
a) A counselling appointment is a chance to look in depth at your concerns, thinking about the cause of your current difficulty, looking at the feelings and emotions you may be experiencing as a result and exploring together ways to improve your current situation, by drawing on your inner strengths and resources.
b) A wellbeing appointment is a chance to talk briefly about your difficulty with a member of the student wellbeing team, exploring practical strategies which may be helpful to improve your current situation, and working on action-planning and goal setting. Wellbeing appointments offer a practical approach based in the here-and-now.
c) A mental health appointment connects students who have a previous mental health diagnosis or have started to experience symptoms that are impacting their ability to engage in university life, with one of our mental health support workers. The mental health team provide personalised input to help you get the most out of your university experience by linking in with appropriate services both within the University and external agencies.

3. Anytime Advice and Mental Health Helpline for students (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) - a confidential and independent 'in the moment emotional and counselling support' for all UoP students.

4. Reasonable Adjustments - you can ask for reasonable adjustments as a disabled student.

5. SHINE - this is a service created by students, counsellors and researchers. Watch, read, listen, find apps and useful links to the best online resources and information about mental health and well-being. SHINE with Plymouth categorises student friendly content on mental health and well-being.

6. The Listening Post - this is a drop-in service for students, staffed by trained volunteers. You'll find us in the heart of the University. Come and see us between 10.00-16.00, Monday to Friday in term time.

7. S.P.A.C.E Wellbeing Cafe - this stands for Socialise, Play, Aspire, Connect, Enjoy. This cafe is open to all students and the space actively encourages anyone who may be feeling a bit anxious or isolated to come along, have a drink, chat and even play a game. There's a garden when you can sit in the sun and get some fresh air, and even free refreshments. There are games, books, and other fun things such as musical instruments (which you are welcome to bring along). They host themed afternoons, such as Arts and Crafts and Aucoustic Afternoon. There are quiet hours offered for those who don't like noise / activity.

8. University Medical Centre - this is the University's doctors surgery, which is on campus and available for your needs. You will have to register for this.

9. Personal Tutor / Academic Staff - your personal tutor is there to help you with your needs. Talking to them about your mental health, even as a brief description, will mean they can accommodate you missing lectures/seminars if you need to.

10. Long Term Health Form - by filling out a long term health certificate and having it signed by your doctor means that you will be able to get deadline extensions should you need them :smile:

11. Disability Services - this service helps to support you with disability and is very helpful with mental health issues. You can claim for DSE support, which can fund a student helper or any equipment you may need to fulfil your studies (that is disability related). For example, if you suffer with anxiety and can't go to the library, you could claim for a printer so that you are able to print your work at home. I would recommend investigating DSE as you apply for Student Finance, as you can sort it over the summer so everything is in place before you start University :smile:

There are probably a few more things, however I've tried to encapsulate them all! I really hope this helps. Many students experience mental health issues each year, however, there is support out there. Please let me know if you have any other questions :smile:

Mental health support

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