How students can help support friends struggling with mental health

Between the pressure of university, internships, and finding a job in a related field, students are struggling more than ever to get through university… and it’s not just students saying this.

Proof UK students are struggling

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), accumulated data revealed 1,180 students across the United Kingdom in 2014-15 left university early due to mental health problems. Alarmingly, this is a 210 per cent increase from the 380 students who left early from previous recorded data in 2009-10.

Some may argue that these numbers have increased because students aren’t seeking the relevant help available, however, that isn’t correct. HESA also found 87,914 students requested counselling in 2015-16 compared to the 68,614 students who sourced help in 2013-14 (a rise of 28 per cent).

These confronting statistics were gathered across many of the 90 universities currently excepting enrolments in the UK.

Though these figures are quite worrying, they also only focus on the students who actively seek help – but what about those who don’t? Each year many students see friends juggling deadlines and assignments and are unaware that behind closed doors these people are secretly battling with mental illness.

So, what is the best way to approach peers when it comes to mental health? Here are the signs to look for and how to find the correct help.

The signs to watch out for

While it may seem obvious to look for any ‘irregular behaviour’, it’s important to specifically look for any of the below signs in a peer:

• They are regularly anxious or distressed;
• They are regularly upset and refusing comfort (or having problems that are worsening);
• They are experiencing a sudden change in behaviour lasting longer than two weeks;
• They are engaging in behaviour that is hurting themselves or others;
• They are experiencing problems which are interfering with their usual daily tasks, eating, sleeping, and/or concentrating.

What you can do to help your friend

If you’re worried about the wellbeing of a peer, the first step is to consult with a councillor.

Hopefully, they will understand seeing a councillor will be helpful and realise they’re not there to judge. From here, a councillor may suggest approaches including regular visits for additional support, particularly during stressful periods of the university year.

How to talk about mental health

Talking about mental health can be difficult. It may be easier to approach the situation by following this step by step guide.

Step 1: Say something. It’s important to voice your concern and show your willingness to support your friends. This may open a door for them to seek help.

Step 2: Listen. It can be difficult for some to open up about how they’re feeling, so it’s important you’re prepared.

A few pieces of advice include:

• Be an attentive listener;
• Acknowledge their feelings – don’t down play what they’re telling you;
• Ask open-ended questions – this will provide an opportunity for them to keep talking rather than giving short or one-word answers;
• Remind your friend they’re not alone – this can allow you to offer your support along with suggesting the option of seeking professional help;
• Regularly check in with emails, text messages etc. to ask them how they’re feeling – they may want to tell you what is happening in their lives without talking face to face;
• Do some research – before initiating the conversation, read up on their symptoms and potential mental health problems they may be experiencing so you have a level of understanding.

Step 3: Provide reassurance. Whether it be encouraging peers to explore different options at university or to seek professional support, a simple display of reassurance and support could be the turning point for them.

If you’re worried about the well being of a friend, please contact a councillor for further information and help.