It’s time to talk about mental illness

Despite the recent improvements in mental health awareness and help for those suffering a mental illness, it is still severely misunderstood. Although the NHS has vastly improved treatment for those with mental illnesses, there are still hundreds out there, either suffering in silence because they are too afraid of the stigma attached to mental health, or suffering because they have don’t even know they might have a mental illness.

How can Southampton help?

The University of Southampton claim that they are ‘committed to positively promoting mental well-being and helping prevent mental health problems occurring such as stress, anxiety and depression. [They] also offer support for those with a defined mental illness.’

The University offers ‘first support’ which is a team based in building 37, the Student Services Centre, who can provide support face-to-face, over the phone 0r Skype to students facing life difficulties or crisis’. They can be contacted by calling +44(0)23 8059 7488 or emailing [email protected].

Some students suffering from mental illness can be given special consideration, with the correct evidence from Enabling Services, this usually means the student must have at least two appointments with Enabling Services in a given time, you can find out more about special considerations here: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/quality/assessment/special_considerations.page?

If you or your friend are in urgent need of help due to being extremely distressed or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, go to the nearest A&E department or call NHS on 111.

In order to speak to someone in confidence, you can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, available via email: [email protected] or phone: 116 123.

Additionally, Solent Mind is based down The Avenue and provide help to anyone suffering with any kind of mental health issues. For more information visit their website: http://www.solentmind.org.uk, or contact them via telephone: 023 8202 7810  or email: [email protected]

What do you know?

Please take some time to fill out our survey on mental illnesses. Only answer questions you feel comfortable answering, we appreciate any responses.

http://kf5g14.polldaddy.com/s/mental-health-survey