Frequently Asked Questions

What is mental health?

  • The term ‘Mental Health’ covers a person’s wellbeing; social, psychological and emotional. Like physical health, everyone has it, and It is important at all stages in our life.
  • Having good mental health may look like being able to live your life the way you want to, without being significantly impacted by your thoughts, emotions or behaviour.
  • Mental Health can fluctuate. You can have good days and bad days, however you may have a mental health problem if your thoughts, emotions and reactions regularly feel out of control, or are negatively impacting your life in the long-term.

Why is our Mental Health important?

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

How do I access wellbeing support?

If you would like to speak to me you can either:

  • Email me
  • Book a session through my Booking link (Please email me instead if the times availble do not work for you).
  • Drop by Room 659 in the City and Guilds Building.

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 for 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 the wellbeing support the same as counselling?

No,  wellbeing support is not the same as counselling. Wellbeing support is the chance for you to come and talk about anything which may be on your mind. Following our appointment, it maybe that counselling is the right next step, in which case I will signpost you to the counselling service. Or it may be that other support is more appropriate in which case we will discuss this and work out what is 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