Students Mental Health — Resources & Support

Students Mental Health — Resources & Support banner

Students — Resources & Support

This page brings together supportive options for students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, burnt out, or simply not themselves. You don’t have to be in “crisis” to ask for help — support can be for small moments too.

“Asking for help is a strength — it’s you choosing support, not giving up.”

Quick Links

Jump to what you need right now:

When to reach out Signs it might be time to talk to someone On-campus support Student services, counselling, disability support Off-campus & community support GPs, therapists, youth/student services Crisis & urgent support What to do if it feels unsafe or urgent Helping a friend What to say, how to support, when to escalate Next steps Simple actions you can take today

When to Reach Out

Consider reaching out if any of these are happening (even “sometimes”):

  • You feel constantly stressed, anxious, low, numb, or on edge.
  • Motivation has dropped and everything feels harder than it used to.
  • Your sleep, appetite, or energy has changed a lot.
  • You’re avoiding classes, assignments, people, or campus spaces.
  • You’re using substances, scrolling, gaming, or overworking just to cope.
  • You’re having thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or you don’t feel safe.

If you’re unsure, it still counts. You’re allowed support before things get worse.

Language Matters

Try to avoid labels like “lazy,” “dramatic,” or “attention-seeking” (for yourself or others). Stress and mental health struggles are real — and support is valid at every level.

On-Campus Support

Many students find it easiest to start with support that’s already connected to their study environment:

Student Health / Counselling

  • Short-term counselling sessions or wellbeing appointments
  • Support planning for stress, anxiety, sleep, burnout
  • Referrals to community services if you need longer-term help

Disability / Accessibility Services

  • Learning support plans, accommodations, and study adjustments
  • Support for ADHD, autism, sensory needs, anxiety, depression, and more
  • Help communicating needs with lecturers/tutors

Academic Support

  • Extensions, special consideration, workload planning
  • Study skills / learning advisors
  • Support for returning after absence

Tip: If making the first contact feels hard, ask a friend to sit with you while you email/call, or write a short script and copy/paste it.

Off-Campus & Community Support

If campus support isn’t available or doesn’t feel like the right fit, these are common pathways:

GP / Doctor

  • Talk through symptoms and stress levels
  • Medical checks (sleep, fatigue, appetite changes)
  • Referrals to therapy, counselling, or mental health services

Therapist / Counsellor

  • Ongoing support for anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, self-esteem
  • Skills for coping, routines, boundaries, and emotional regulation
  • Safe space to process what’s going on

Youth / Student Mental Health Services

  • Often offer low-cost or free support options
  • May include group programmes, workshops, or peer support
  • Good option if you’re not sure where to start

Note: We’ll later connect this page to a dedicated Support Directory (with country-based options).

Crisis & Urgent Support

If you feel unsafe, at risk, or unable to cope right now, please seek urgent support immediately.

  • Contact your local emergency number
  • Go to the nearest emergency department / urgent care
  • Call a crisis line (we’ll add global/country options in your Support Directory build)
  • If you’re on campus, contact campus security / emergency wellbeing support if available
Safety note: If you are in immediate danger or feel you might act on thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services now or go to the nearest emergency department.

Helping a Friend

If a friend is struggling, you don’t have to fix everything — you just need to be present and help them connect to support.

Helpful things to say

  • “I’m really glad you told me.”
  • “You’re not alone — we can figure out the next step together.”
  • “Do you want support right now, or just someone to listen?”
  • “Would it help if we emailed student support together?”

Things to avoid

  • “Just be positive.”
  • “Everyone feels like that.”
  • “You’re overreacting.”
  • Making promises you can’t keep (like keeping everything secret if safety is involved)

If you’re worried about their safety: it’s okay to involve a trusted adult, professional, or emergency service. Safety comes first.

Next Steps

Pick one small step — that’s enough for today:

  • Write down what you’re struggling with (2–5 bullet points).
  • Email/call student support and request an appointment.
  • Book a GP appointment and bring your notes.
  • Ask a trusted person to help you make the first contact.
  • Use your coping tools (breathing, grounding, routine reset) while you wait for support.
Disclaimer: This page is for education and support navigation only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are worried about your safety or someone else’s, seek urgent help immediately.
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Tip: When the Students hub pages are all published, send me the final URLs for Previous/Next and I’ll drop them straight in.