Below you can find a number of Frequently Asked Questions regarding your wellbeing and mental health (adapted from the Department of Mechanical Engineering pages, with thanks).

If you have further queries, please do not hesitate to contact ESE's Student Wellbeing Advisor, Anita Murphy: anita.murphy@imperial.ac.uk.

Wellbeing FAQs

What is wellbeing?

The term ‘Wellbeing’ covers a person’s social, emotional psychological and mental health. It is important at all stages in our life.

Why is our wellbeing important?

Wellbeing is important because it affects all areas of our lives – impacting our ability to concentrate, learn and be successful, as well as our capacity for building and sustaining relationships. It can also impact our ability to cope with change and transitions.

How do I access wellbeing support?

If you feel you need to talk things through and would like to speak to ESE's Student Wellbeing Advisor, Anita Murphy, please drop by G.33, meet on Microsoft Teams, or email Anita on anita.murphy@imperial.ac.uk.

Who will know if I am accessing support?

Any support given will be confidential and discreet unless there is a concern about risk, in which case we may need to talk to your GP or include another member of staff in the department. We will always try and talk to you about this first.

Is accessing support a sign of weakness?

No, accessing support is a sign that you are motivated, self-aware and empowered.

Will I get in trouble with the department or college for disclosing mental health difficulties?

No, the college sees accessing support a sign of strength not something to be punished for. In fact, reaching out to support within the department may help if you have fallen behind with your studies or are not doing as well on your course as you had hoped.

Who is the wellbeing support for?

The wellbeing support is for any student in the department who feels that it may benefit them to speak to someone. Most people can benefit from talking to someone and sharing any worries they may have. It is best to access support as early as possible as waiting can make recovery much harder than it needs to be. Don’t wait for a crisis point to seek help.

Is wellbeing support the same as counselling?

ESE's Student Wellbeing Advisor Anita Murphy is a qualified counsellor; however, wellbeing support is not the same as counselling. Wellbeing support is much broader and offers you the chance to come and talk about anything that may be on your mind. Following your appointment, it may be that counselling is the right next step, in which case Anita will signpost you to the counselling service. Or it may be that Anita or another form of support is more appropriate for you, in which case we will discuss this and work out the best next step for you.

What should I do if I am experiencing a Mental Health crisis, or am with someone who is experiencing a crisis?

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis you can call the NHS 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Lines:

  • Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hillingdon, Brent, Camden and Harrow: 0800 0234 650
  • Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hounslow: 0300 1234 244
  • Wandsworth: 020 3513 4421
  • Berkshire: 0300 365 9999
What should I do if I am feeling suicidal?

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or of someone else you should call 999. Alternatively, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.

ESE Health and Safety

Due to the complex mix of risks within the department, finding out what procedures to follow and how to apply them can be a little daunting. 

Visit the ESE Health and Safety guidance pages.

ESE Fieldwork Information