Mental Health

If you are worried about a student’s mental health

If you are worried about a student’s mental health, because you have noticed a change, or deterioration, in their mood, appearance or behaviour, or because they themselves, or someone else, has reported a problem, try, if you can, to ask them how they are feeling and whether or not they have been to seek other help. Very often help is not sought because the person may be concerned about the consequences of telling someone. They may need reassurance that they will not be stigmatised or penalised. They may not always identify or want to acknowledge that they have a problem. Be as empathic, tactful and understanding as possible, but also honest about your concern.

If you need to tell someone else that you have concerns about a student’s mental health, try to obtain the student's consent. Alternatively, you could talk about the situation to another person and ask their advice, without revealing the identity of the student.

Be clear about your role and its boundaries. Everyone has something to offer, but it is vital that we are all aware of what we can realistically do and are qualified to offer. Even if you do decide to support the student, they, and you, might also benefit from other help. Being there for someone else is part of our humanity and helps to make the world a better place, but being the only one supporting another person can be emotionally exhausting and frustrating, and create a lot of anxiety, possibly leading to anger and resentment on both sides. It is very important, therefore, for helpers, to remain aware of their own needs and limitations and to get help for themselves.

The greatest degree of support that is offered to students who are struggling with some kind of mental or emotional difficulty is that given by other students. Students may find themselves in the role of invisible carers, providing a considerable level of informal support to a fellow student. Living in shared accommodation this support can take up a considerable amount of time. When a crisis occurs it is often at night or the weekend, so fellow students may be the first to respond to any such incident. Worrying about a friend or a fellow student can cause stress and anxiety, especially if you feel a sense of responsibility for their safety or welfare, so it is important to share this with someone else.

The Mental Health Advisers and Student Counselling Service offer drop-in support sessions for students who are supporting other students. If you are worried about the mental health of a fellow-student and would like to talk to someone in confidence, please contact mentalhealthadviser@bangor.ac.uk or counselling@bangor.ac.uk

They can also offer training and advice to staff.