Importance of spotting the signs

12 Mar 26

University Mental Health Day is an opportunity to start important conversations about student mental health and wellbeing.

Hands holding a paper circle with a simple smiling face, next to Scrabble-style tiles spelling Mental Health.

While being a student is often associated with studying, new friendships and positive experiences, it can also be a challenging period for some. Academic pressure, increased independence and being away from family and familiar support networks can sometimes lead to overwhelming emotions that feel difficult to understand or manage.

As a Trust we want to reassure students that they are not alone and that help is available. If you are struggling with your mental health, or are worried about someone else, reaching out for support can make a real difference.

You can contact NHS 111 option 2 or HPFT’s Single Point of Access (SPA) helpline 0800 6444 101 for advice. You can also visit your GP.

HPFT’s Talking Therapies offers free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for people experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk

Crisis support

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, HPFT’s Mental Health Urgent Care Centre based at the Lister Hospital in #Stevenage is a calm and supportive space which offers an alternative to a busy A&E department.

Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (@hertfordshiremind) Nightlight Crisis Cafés and Helpline are also open every evening. You can call them any day of the week between 7pm and 1am on 01923 256391. Please visit www.nightlightcrisis.org to find out more.

Samaritans has a confidential helpline: 116 123 which operates 24 hours per day 365 days of the year.

Spotting the signs

If you have concerns that someone may be suicidal, do not be afraid to ask them. It will not make their feelings worse or ‘give them ideas’. In fact, the opposite is true. For many people it can be a huge relief to be asked the question in a direct way. Asking someone directly may also give them a chance to open up about their feelings and help them to think about more positive options rather than suicide.

Here are some warning signs to look out for that could indicate someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings:

• Talking about feeling hopeless and that life is not worth living.

• Saying that friends and family would be better off without them.

• Talking about death and plans to take their own life.

• A sudden and seemingly full recovery after a period of severe depression.

• Looking into methods or the means to end their own life.

• Putting all their affairs in order and seeming to be preparing to die.

• Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye to loved ones.

• Saying that they can hear voices telling them to end their own life.

• Physical changes such as weight loss, poor hygiene and not caring about their appearance

Further information and guidance on how to spot the signs and support someone can be found in the Spot the Signs leaflet: spot-signs-supporting_dl-leaflet-2023.pdf

University Mental Health Day is a reminder that support is available and that reaching out can be a positive first step for students and those around them.

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Importance of spotting the signs