Tributes pour in after the loss of Nottingham student Alex Barusevicus

Tributes are being made to Nottingham Student Alex Barusevicus, who passed away on 21st January.

Those who knew Alex described him as “an amazing person” that “was always laughing” as many of his friends and family recount fond memories they had with him in a book of condolences.

His girlfriend Georgia wrote a special tribute to him: “Dear Alex, I wish you could see the impact your absence has had on everyone around you. I wish you were here to see all the kind things people have to say about you – how lovely you were, how much you made people laugh, how much you helped people.

“You were and are still so loved in this world. You had achieved so much, know every single one of us is so proud of you. I never thought I’d wake up in a world where you weren’t here anymore.

“I hope you find the peace you were so desperately looking for. All my love, Georgia x”

Another one of Alex’s best friends Sam, who he had met at university, wrote: “Here’s to the laughter, the joy, the days out and the unforgettable nights. Although we only crossed paths at university, it felt like we had been together for an eternity…despite us growing up miles apart, our bond was brotherly and one that could never be broken.

“So pop the kettle on bud, I’ll see you for another brew soon.”

Alex’s house mates sent their love to his family and friends saying that they were “privileged” to have lived with him, while his friend Jonathan shared some fond memories: “From you somehow managing to burn pasta to the numerous gym sessions we had together, you always had a wide grin on your face and I will dearly miss that.”

A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham also added, “As a community, we are deeply saddened by the sudden death of one of our students and send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates who we are supporting at this difficult time.”

The loss of a son, brother, best friend and boy friend has left a colossal impact and reinforces the importance of mental health. Below will list the different ways that our universities and organisations can help us if our mental health is suffering – which during this global pandemic can be even more prevalent.

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has a free counselling service offered to all students and staff. Over the phone sessions last between 30-50 minutes where you can receive advice and strategies to manage issues as well as being able to confide in the counsellors with problems that you may otherwise feel apprehensive about sharing with friends and family.

From booking the consultation, it takes around only 10 days to receive the first counselling session. That is a short wait for a step in the right direction to feeling like yourself again. The university also does workshops and group counselling on specific themes such as low self-esteem and anxiety, as well as offering self-help resources. The groups are helpful to openly discuss issues with people that can relate to you – as relatability can help you feel that you aren’t alone; because you most definitely aren’t.

Nottingham Trent

Nottingham Trent’s website lists self-help resources where students can sign up to different courses that help with anxiety, depression, body image, sleep, phobia and many other mental health issue that we all may suffer with.

NTU also has online counselling services, where students can email about their issues, which some may feel more comfortable doing. However, like UoN they also provide counselling sessions weekly for students where you can refer yourself, or someone you are worried about by filling out an online form to gain benefit from this free service – as remember, a problem shared, is a problem halved.

Fundraiser in honour of Alex

A fundraising page has been set up in honour of Alex to raise money for the mental health Charity Mind. This charity was set up to provide help and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

A book of condolences has also been set up, for people who knew Alex.

There are local Mind crisis teams distributed around the UK, specifically in Nottinghamshire, that can be used if you find yourself at harm or in danger of harming yourself – the number is linked below. The counselling service that Mind provides is extremely affordable, ranging between £12.50-£20 per session, depending on your financial situation which is significantly lower than an average counselling session.

The Nottingham City Council Crisis Team can be reached on 0808 196 3779.

Alex was a special soul, one that I had the pleasure of calling my best friend and making many unforgettable memories with. He had such a contagious laugh and smile and I will miss hearing his strong Northern accent and making him endless cups of tea throughout the precious days we spent together. I will especially miss waking up and finding him asleep at my kitchen table after putting in a tremendous late night study session- what a smart and motivated boy he was. The passionate conversations I had with him about anything and everything will stay with me forever.

No one can ever stress enough how important it is look after ourselves and each other. No matter how big or small your problem is, you aren’t alone and there are many people to help you get through. Please take advantage of these websites, helplines and services as they are there to support you.

Rest peacefully Alex, you will always be missed and never ever forgotten.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can also contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35) on 0800 58 58 58. Men’s Health forum offers 24/7 stress support for men by text, chat, and email.