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University Health Service

Mental Health Problems

Around 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health problem at some point, so it's not surprising that many students experience this whilst at university. Not only is it a period of significant workload and exam stress, but there's also the upheaval of moving away from family and friends, or living with (initially) unknown people.

It can be difficult to recognise when tiredness or other problems are an appropriate response to your current demands, or a mental health problem that requires to be addressed.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Poor appetite, or compensatory over-eating
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Poor concentration
  • Deterioration in self-care skills e.g. personal hygiene
  • Impaired motivation
  • Difficulty in remembering things
  • Problems in making decisions
  • Loss of drive, energy and interest
  • Disturbed sleep pattern
  • Feeling low or miserable much of the time, even despairing at times
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Withdrawal from social events/contacts
  • Fears about attending lectures and/or tutorials
  • Hearing or seeing things that others seem not to
  • Increased irritability
  • Odd thinking

If you are experiencing a number of these symptoms then it is a good idea to seek a professional opinion and support. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, get help quickly.

Getting Help

There are various options both within and outwith the University, for you to choose from.

  1. Your own doctor has access to your medical history and therefore is able to contextualize your experiences to some extent, which can be very useful. They are also the gateway for referral onto other specialist services, should they feel that this is indicated.
  2. The University Health Service consists of a medical adviser (doctor) for a short period each day (2 days per week during vacation periods), and a mental health nurse. We link in with the statutory NHS wherever appropriate and you would be advised of this on attending.
  3. The University Counselling Service has 1 full time and 3 part time counsellors. If you are feeling unhappy or confused, counselling may be able to help you. If they feel that your mental health is seriously impaired or at risk, they will refer you either to the University Health Service or your own doctor.
  4. Outwith office hours, you may 'phone NHS 24 who will assess whether or not your presentation is considered an emergency or urgent enough to warrant immediate medical assessment. Either way, they will advise you of what to do next.
  5. The Samaritans are a confidential, free helpline, where there is always someone available to talk and listen
  6. Breathing Space is a confidential, free helpline, funded by the Scottish Executive
  7. Choose Life help and advice for those with suicidal thoughts and their family & friends
  8. Touched by Suicide Scotland run support groups for people who have suffered a bereavement through suicide. For more information contact them on 0141 584 3211

It is important to talk to someone and to do something, rather than ignore the situation and hope that it will go away. Getting help earlier means you will feel better sooner, with less disruption to your studies and your life.