Key symptoms to look out for

According to the NHS’s dedicated website for students and their mental health, some of the common symptoms to watch out for are listed below:

• Withdrawal, whether through low attendance at class or from social activities
• Weight loss/gain
• Low mood
• More agitated/anxious

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many symptoms that people can experience as a result of different mental health illnesses.  If you do notice these behaviours, either from yourself or from a friend then you should seek support, and the different ways you can do this are listed in the next section.

Where can I go for help and support?

When suffering from a mental health condition, it can be a confusing and frustrating time as you try to understand the illness, speak about it and find the support you need.  However, you’re not alone and there are loads of resources to offer you the help that you need to both understand the illness and get on the road to recovery.  Below is a list of some key support networks that you should speak to:

• Someone you trust, which could be a close friend or family member
• Student Advice and Wellbeing
• Your GP
• Your Personal Tutor.  You will have been assigned a Personal Tutor when you first started university, who you can go to for personal development and academic support
• Online Resources, such as NHS Choices; Mind and Time To Change