Mental health and wellbeing
Mental health and emotional wellbeing affect all aspects of our lives and health choices. Mental wellbeing is about feeling good and functioning well, as individuals, within academic studies and being part of the community. It is also about our ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.
University can have an impact on wellbeing and mental health. Lack of sleep, changing support levels, eating habits, disrupted and changeable routine can all impact personal wellbeing.
Mental health and university
Students can experience a range of mental ill health symptoms throughout their studies, these can include experiencing symptoms for the first time, for example, hearing voices, surges of energy, fast speech, low mood or seeing things.
Some students will have experienced symptoms before coming to university and received previous treatment. The university encourages disclosure on application via UCAS, Loughborough University will then put in place appropriate support and reasonable adjustments to studies.
Students can have feelings of being overwhelmed which can lead to thoughts of suicide. These thoughts are distressing. Some students self-harm as a way of coping with this emotional distress.
In periods throughout academic studies some students will need to take a leave of absence due to health. In rare circumstances the University may instigate fitness to study processes where continued studies is having a detrimental impact on mental wellbeing.
Is there anything I can do?
The university would encourage you to download the LU wellbeing app on apple or android, this app enables you to log moods, has podcasts and articles on a range of wellbeing activities and encourages habits for positive wellbeing. Please see the links below.
If you’ve experienced symptoms for the first time or are having distressing thoughts relating to ending your own life, we would encourage you to access support as soon as possible. There are a range of sources of help available.
This may include visiting your GP or urgent care centre. You could contact a charitable organization for Leicestershire on 0808 8003302 or nationally text Cam 85258.
To improve wellbeing
We would encourage you to look at;
- Connecting with other people
- Be physically active, even a 20 min walk across campus can boost your wellbeing
- Try something new, LSU have a range of activities and societies, alongside local community activities
- Volunteer
- Be present, there are a range of mindful activities available on self-help webpages.
What can the university do to support me?
Student services offer a range of support services including;
- Wellbeing advisers can support with issues such as stress, bereavement and family issues
- Mental health advisers for ongoing support for a disabling mental health condition which impacts your studies
- Duty, Assessment and Inclusion adviser can support with immediate crisis, following a suicide attempt.
- Counselling will provide up to 6 sessions of talking therapy
- Student advice can offer support relating to student finance if you choose to take a leave of absence