Here is a guide on how to access mental health support in Notts during the pandemic

From looming deadlines, to the fear of graduating without a job and managing finances, uni can be tough. Adding in the pandemic on top, it has gotten even harder. Over a third of university students say they experience mental health problems.

Whilst you may feel like an imposter or too shy to seek support when you need it, it is important that you do.

The Tab Notts has collated some resources from across the Nottingham unis andf beyond to help support you along the way:

Image: Unsplash

How to get support from UoN

For UoN students, the counselling and mental health advisory services currently operate online from Monday to Friday. Information on how to book a counselling session in under 5 minutes can be found here.

UoN Students also get access to Togetherall. This is an online anonymous network of people like you across the globe that you can talk to and get advice from. The app also includes self-assessment and creative tools.

And for those wondering, this service is registered with the Care Quality Commission and is already used by the NHS so is perfectly safe.

If you need an extension due to poor mental health during deadline season, contacting your personal tutor, module convenor and student services either via email ([email protected]) or this form would be your best option. Please note that student services can take their sweet time to get back to students so try and get your query in as soon as possible.

More information for UoN students can be found here.

How to get support from Trent

For our Trent readers, although the advice provided by the uni is very…confusing to say the least, and pretty much points you only in the direction of self-help, there are people who can help.

You can book appointments for the NTU counselling service which runs from Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Before getting access to this service you must have already applied for the NTU wellbeing service through this link.

NTU also have their SilverCloud service which “offers secure, immediate access to online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes”. The programmes on offer are designed for those dealing with depression, stress and a wide range of dilemmas.

More information for Trent students can be found here.

Just want a chat or don’t want to approach your uni?

Here are some links to charities and organisations that provide free mental and advisory services around the UK. Nottingham Nightline and Samritans are good services if you just want to speak someone.

Nottingham Nightline: ran by student volunteers, the service offers a non-advisory listening for students via instant messaging, phone, emil and Skype.

Contact number: 0115 9514 985

Samaritans: provides support via the phone all day, every day.

Contact number: 116 123

Mind: provides comprehensive online guides and resources on how to access help and techniques on how to cope with an ongoing mental health problems and crises.

Rethink Mental Illness: has a network over over 140 judgement-free support groups nationwide where you can talk about your experiences. They also have carers and housing support, as well as services for young people.

Alternatively, your local GP can also provide advice on what steps to take next.

Image: Unsplash

Other Resources

Seeking counselling or talking about your problems may be something you are not comfortable or wanting to do yet – and that is totally okay.

But there are still resources out there you can use, which might be of help to you. For example, Notts African and Caribbean Society has a series where members share their mental health journeys which aims to normalise its discussion, particularly among men and the African-Caribbean community; Trent’s student services have announced a number of upcoming events (including a Staff vs Students Rounders match on the Clifton campus tomorrow).