As we’ve stated in two of our previous blogs Five tips for looking after your mental health as a postgrad and Five tips for carrying on with your research when things are tough, postgrad work can be isolating and stressful. Sometimes, that stress can impact our mental health. If that happens, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that it’s OK to ask for help.
We’ve put together a list of resources that postgrad students can use if they are struggling with their mental health.
- Your university’s wellbeing team
Most UK universities have professional counsellors on their staff with whom you will be able to make a free appointment to talk. On a personal note, PGPR owner Johanna has had counselling at almost every university where she has studied or worked (which is quite a few) and she has always found university counsellors to be excellent. There is often a short waiting list as well. Of course, this might not be the case at your uni, but it’s a solid place to start.
- Your GP
GPs are also a good starting point if you need some support with your mental health. They can talk over how you’re feeling and refer you to a mental health specialist. Additionally, this NHS page has some useful ideas for improving your mood.
Student Minds is the UK’s mental health charity for students. They empower students to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. They offer peer support and workshops. You can read more about the support they offer here.
Mind are a UK charity who offer support to anyone struggling with mental ill health. Their website is chock full of useful blogs, stories from people who are living with various challenges and ideas for better wellbeing. You can also call their helpline on 0300 123 3393, or email them on info@mind.org.uk
This charity provides support and services for those dealing with various societal challenges, including money problems, navigating the system to get the right support and understanding loneliness and isolation. Like Mind, their website has lots of useful resources and ideas. Their wellbeing plan and five top tips for good mental health might be useful starting points; you can download them here.
The Samaritans run a free, 24-hour helpline which is there to support people going through mental health crises, including suicidal feelings. You can ring them any time on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. You can read about other ways to contact them here.
Additionally, it’s important to know that if you ever feel that you are in danger of hurting yourself, you can call 999 for help.
Your mental health matters, and it’s always OK to talk about not being OK.