Here are all the mental health provisions on offer at Southampton

The sad reality is that even in 2018, mental health is still not taken as seriously as it should be. Tragically, ninety-five students in the UK took their own lives between 2016 and 2017, and the suicide rates for students rose by fifty-six per cent between 2007 and 2016.

Fortunately, the University of Southampton has a lot of support mechanisms in place for students who are struggling. They are also putting on a range of events to commemorate Mental Health Awareness day and help tackle this growing issue amongst university students.

Free access to the university gyms

On October 10th, the Jubilee Sports Centre and Mayflower gym will be allowing free access to all of their facilities in order to promote the positive impact that physical activity can have upon mental health. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and wellbeing, and this is a fantastic opportunity to find out whether the gym works for you.

'Tea and Talk' events

Student Life and Enabling services are teaming up to host a "Tea and Talk" event from 12-4pm tomorrow in Enabling Reception (building 37). Decorate your own cupcake and pick up some mindfulness colouring books whilst having a cuppa and a chat about how we can create a world with good mental health for all.

The University of Southampton's Mind Society are also hosting a "Tea and Talk" session with the History Society at 6pm on Thursday 11th October, at Avenue Campus. This is a chance to have a casual chat with a member of these societies about issues such as homesickness and the year ahead.

The Mind Society are also putting on a charity yoga session on Monday October 15th, with all proceeds going to the Solent Mind charity. Yoga is fantastic for your physical and mental wellbeing and this is the perfect opportunity to take some time to relax as we enter into the third week of term.

Student Minds Soc Meet and Greet

The Student Minds society are putting on a meet and greet session on Thursday 11th October, from 5-7pm in Meeting Room 4. The society forms the Southampton branch of the UK's student mental health charity, Student Minds, and aims to empower university students and staff to look after their own mental health as well as supporting others to do the same.

The student volunteers run a six week "positive minds course", which provides a safe space for students to discuss their experiences surrounding with low mood and mild depression. The facilitators also focus on certain topics such as stress, sleep and socialising to help sufferers learn to cope with having mental health issues at University.

For more information or to sign up for the meet and greet, drop them an email at [email protected].

Enabling services offer both personal and academic support

If you ever find yourself struggling with a mental illness that is impacting your ability to work, be sure to register with Enabling services. They hold drop in sessions Monday to Friday from 1-3pm, where you can speak confidentially with a member of staff who may put you forward for a needs assessment.

You could receive extra time in exams, essay extensions and extra one-on-one meetings with your tutors, depending on your needs. Enabling services also provide online workshops to help you to deal with issues such as homesickness, getting a good night's sleep and exam stress, which you can complete from the comfort of your own home.

They put on weekly "Mindful Fridays" from 1-1:45pm at 28 University Road, where you can practice mindful meditation in a small group setting.

Nightline

Nightline is a service run by volunteers, through the Students' Union. It is open to everyone at the university every night from 8pm to 8am, during term time. Volunteers "listen, and not lecture" callers and are there for you to talk to about anything anonymously, without passing judgement or prying. The number for Nightline is 023 8059 5236.

Samaritans

You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 if you need someone to talk to. They provide non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

As well as being extremely exciting and stimulating, university can be a complex, overwhelming and vulnerable time for many students. Mental Health Awareness Day celebrates the importance of being open and breaking down the taboo around mental illnesses.