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Counselling for student mental health problems
Mental health problems are as common among students as they are in the general population.
But it's not just students with a diagnosed mental health condition who can benefit from counselling.
Anyone who has new challenges as a student could benefit from talking to someone. This includes if you have:
- friend, family or relationship issues
- low mood or losing interest in things you enjoy
- stress or anxiety about your work or anything else
Counselling can help you understand these issues and suggest strategies for dealing with your feelings.
Where to go for help
Talk to someone
It's important to tell someone how you feel as this may bring an immediate sense of relief.
You could speak to a:
- friend
- member of your family
- university tutor
- counsellor
- doctor
A tutor may also be able to help you get in touch with university or other counselling services.
University counselling services
Many colleges and most universities have a free and confidential in-house counselling service you can access, with professionally qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
You can usually find out what they offer and how to make an appointment in the counselling service section of your university's website. This free service in universities is available to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Many universities also have a mental health adviser who can help you access the support you need.
As well as counselling or therapy, you may also be entitled to "reasonable adjustments" such as extra time in exams, extensions on coursework, and specialist mental health mentor support.
Student-led services
Many student unions also offer student-led services. Although the students involved are not qualified counsellors, you may prefer to talk about problems such as stress and depression with another student.
Individual universities also usually have student night line services.
Online self-help
There are also online self-help services you can explore, such as:
- mental health and wellbeing information
- the Students Against Depression website
Therapy and counselling
Counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offer an opportunity to explore your feelings in a safe environment and help you develop ways of coping with them.
As well as university or college counselling services, you might be able to refer yourself for counselling.
Drugs, drink and mental health in students
Sometimes people use alcohol and drugs to cope with difficult feelings. But underlying mental health problems could be made worse by drugs or alcohol.
You could be misusing alcohol if:
- you feel you should cut down on alcohol
- other people have been criticising your drinking
- you feel guilty or bad about your drinking
- you need a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover
If you're concerned about your drinking or drug use, a good first step is to see a GP. They'll be able to discuss the services and treatments available.
There are a number of charities and support groups that provide support and advice for people with an alcohol misuse problem.
Read more about alcohol misuse