1. Mental Health Matters
Student Inductions
2016/17

2. Mental Health: definition “… a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO 2001)

3. These can either be brief or occur over a long time.
Mental illness: definition
‘Extreme differences or difficulties in the way a person thinks, observes the world and experiences feelings.
These can either be brief or occur over a long time.
They can cause difficulties in a person’s ability to care for themselves, to have relationships, make friends, make decisions, work or have any leisure activities.
(WHO 2001)
A person who is considered 'mentally healthy' is someone who can cope with the normal stresses of life and carry out the usual activities they need to in order to look after themselves; can realise their potential; and make a contribution to their community. However, your mental health or sense of 'wellbeing' doesn't always stay the same and can change in response to circumstances and stages of life.
Everyone will go through periods when they feel emotions such as stress and grief, but symptoms of mental illnesses last longer than normal and are often not a reaction to daily events. When these symptoms become severe enough to interfere with a person's ability to function, they may be considered to have a significant psychological or mental illness.

4. Mental Health: what is it?
Mental health impacts on physical health.
Mental health is about being ‘fit’ to function effectively in study, work, leisure, relationships etc…
Important to develop a regime of mental fitness

5. Building mental fitness:
Two approaches –
Things to avoid to help protect your Mental Health
Things to do to make your mental wellbeing positive

6. Things to avoid to help protect your Mental Health:
Abuse of alcohol
Illicit drugs or ‘legal’ highs
Activities that you know could become a problem i.e. gambling, internet or computer games (over usage)
Overworking/ over studying/ over partying
Isolating yourself

7. Being mentally healthy is about having a balance in all aspects of your life
Social
Physical
Emotional
Cognitive
Motivational

8. Social:
Those who remain connected to others have a better mental wellbeing so:
Stay in touch with friends and family
Make contact with new people on your course, in your department, in halls etc…
Try out new activities, join some LUU societies, find out what you can do outside of the campus

9. Physical:
Caring for your body helps your mind work better too so:
Get into a good sleep routine
Make sure you eat regularly
Attend to illness as soon as you notice you are not feeling well, don’t let it fester
Consider accessing some form of exercise such as walking. Gym, swimming etc…

10. Emotional:
Strong emotions will always surface at some point in our lives, having ways to help manage these is a good idea so:
Learn relaxation, breathing or meditation techniques
Use distraction techniques when feeling stressed, angry or anxious – going for a walk, listening to music, carry out breathing exercises
Try writing your feelings down, keep a diary
Access support from the Student Counselling Centre
Join one of the workshops facilitated by the Counselling Centre

11. Cognitive:
How you think about things is important to maintaining an optimum mental and emotional health so:
Aim to think positively, remind yourself why you are here, your skills and abilities, your hopes, dreams and aspirations
Avoid negative thinking and be practical when considering any difficulties or upsets i.e. ‘it is a disaster that I got that grade’ to ‘it’s not great so what can I do to improve next time?’
Avoid comparing yourself to others, it usually only serves to make you feel worse about yourself, you are after all UNIQUE!

12. Motivational:
We all lose our motivation to study/ work from time to time so:
Visualize your success, find an image or object that demonstrates/ represents your past success and future aspirations and keep it to help you focus and remind yourself of what you want to achieve in your PG studies
Set small specific and realistic goals for yourself
Keep good working practices (structure and routine not working all day every day) – balance work and fun
Talk to others about what you are doing

13. Things to do to support healthy mental wellbeing:

14. We are all here to help you
If you find that you are not coping or that you may need a little extra support please talk to someone:
Tutor, Supervisor, friend, family member,
or someone in one of the University’s wellbeing services:
Counsellors Clarendon Place
Mental health advisors
Disabled Students’ Assessment & Support (DSAS) Chemistry West Block
Mental health workers
We are all here to help you

15. What problems can counsellors help you with ?
Relationship problems (family, peers, partners)
Academic
Depression, anxiety, panic
Eating disorders, compulsive behaviour, self-harm
Confidence, self-esteem
Trauma (past or recent)
Childhood abuse (sexual, physical, psychological)
Bereavement/loss

16. 1 2 3 What do counsellors provide? Support through the difficult times
Provide a safe space and the time to explore your feelings 2
The opportunity to work through and manage your problems
Skills development 3
Facilitate referrals where appropriate

17. 1 2 3 Student Counselling Centre resources:
Extensive web-based self help
Referral to MP3s, library books 2
Initial Consultations
Counselling Contract (usually 4 sessions)
Online counselling 3
Groups, including meditation and parental loss
Workshops
Lifestyle and Wellbeing Programme

18. Student Counselling Centre How to access support?
On-line self-referral through our website:
Drop-in if you are not sure at 3.00pm every week day in term time
Feel free to contact us if you are not sure: or

19. The Integrated Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Service
Student Counselling Centre
1:1 counselling contracts
to students experiencing
psychological, emotional and personal difficulties.
Group workshops on meditation, managing stress, and a range of other issues.
Mental Health Advisors
1:1 support to those students with a medically diagnosed moderate to severe and enduring mental health conditions.
Educate students with emerging mental health conditions,
Create support plans and identify management techniques to help students continue with their studies. Crisis response and support .
Drop-in sessions
for information and signposting
LSMP Mental Health Workers
1:1 solution-focussed sessions to help students identify their specific mental health goals and provide support to meet them.
Students with mild to moderate depression and anxiety can access short-term CBT-based interventions.

20. Student Wellbeing Services Drop in times and locations
Mental Health Team
Leeds Student Medical Practice's Mental Health Workers
Student Counselling Centre
Location DSAS, Chemistry West Block.
Please ring
on the day to book a 15 minute appointment,
or arrive at the start of the session.
19 Clarendon Place. Drop-in only. Please arrive at the start of the session
Monday
11am - 12pm
3pm - 4pm
Tuesday
2pm - 3pm 
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

21. Quick recap:
Look after yourself, body, mind and soul
Keep a balance between work and play
Keep in touch with people, talk through your difficulties
Access support sooner rather than later
Support could come from many places
Friends, Family, Peers, PG Tutors, Supervisors, Graduate Support Office, LUU societies, Student Counselling Centre, Disability Services, Mental Health Team, Chaplaincy etc..etc..