We offer a broad range of support to students experiencing emotional, mental health and wellbeing issues, including:

• one-to-one mental health and wellbeing assessment
• counselling
• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
• group therapies
• our online mental health support programme - SilverCloud
• mindfulness-based stress reduction programme

Accessing Support

If you think you would like to engage with our team for emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues, please come into Room 4.36 on the fourth floor of the Graham Hills Building, where we will ask you to complete a short referral form which will enable us to arrange an appropriate appointment for you. Our office opening hours are from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. 
If you require further information on how to access support, please contact us via telephone on 0141 548 3402, or email disability-wellbeing@strath.ac.uk 

Helpline and Emergency Contact Details

The Disability and Wellbeing Service would strongly encourage you to contact your GP urgently should you consider yourself to be at risk, or require medical treatment.

If you feel that you need help now, please contact your GP. Your GP can provide further assessment of your symptoms, discuss treatment options and refer you onto Specialist Services. If your GP is closed, their answerphone will direct you to the appropriate support service, or you can call NHS 24 on 111.

If it is an emergency situation, the following Emergency Services are available:

• Campus Security via calling 0141 548 2222.
• Emergency Services via calling 999.
• Accident & Emergency Service nearest to the University is the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, Glasgow G4.
• NHS 24 on 111 for Health Information and Self Care Advice.

If you need to talk to someone, below are a list of supports that are available:

• Samaritans Glasgow 0141 248 4488 or email  jo@samaritans.org anytime.
• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (All weekend and Monday to Friday 6pm - 2am)
• Nightline 0141 552 2555 (for students and staffed by local student volunteers) someone to talk to and will often be able to help with general information questions. 7pm to 7am, Monday to Friday during term time.
• It may also be helpful for you to talk to a friend or family member.

Bookable Wellbeing Programmes

Mental Wellness for all:
Mental Wellness for all is a 2-hour session open to all students, facilitated by staff from the Disability and Wellbeing Service and Student's Union Advice Hub. 
Participants will explore the topic of mental health and reflect on the various factors that can impact on our mental health. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic stress-management techniques, and reflect on positive and negative coping mechanisms.
The session will also allow students to think about how they might support a friend who is experiencing poor mental health, through listening and sign-posting. Participants will learn how to broach the subject of mental health with a friend, and how to put boundaries into place in order to protect your own wellbeing. 
Sessions are bookable through the DAT booking system. 

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR): 
This is an eight-week programme with a one-day silent retreat, open to all Strathclyde Students. MBSR is particularly effective with students experiencing stress and anxiety. There will be one programme run in each semester. 
Sessions are bookable through the DAT booking system.

Write to recovery: 
A supportive 9-week group for anyone who has gone through or is experiencing emotional distress (so everyone is welcome) & would like to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of getting it out of your head & onto the page. “Writing will help you unravel the knots in your heart” says Louise DeSalvo. Whether you would like to use the group to support mental health recovery or just to stay well in the face of the challenging demands of university life, you are very welcome to attend.
Sessions are bookable through the DAT booking system.

Top Tips to a Happier, Healthier You!

Healthy Eating: 
Eating healthily does more than just keep your body healthy; it improves concentration, boosts energy levels and reduces that low, tired & sluggish feeling. Eat well by having regular meals, and maintain a balanced diet with vegetables and starchy foods. Opt for healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts and seeds. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can cause irritability and difficulty with concentration. Try to avoid too much caffeine or high sugar drinks.

Sleep:
Sleep is a vital element in maintaining your physical health, mental health and overall well-being. That's why it’s important to implement a regular sleeping routine and develop sleeping techniques that work for you. Try the following techniques to get a better night’s sleep: ensure that your room is cool, dark and quiet allowing you to feel calm and relaxed; ensure that all laptops, smart phones, iPad’s and TV's are switched off, as they can be distracting and stop you from getting to sleep; consider a milky drink or herbal tea, as these can be calming and help improve sleep.

Exercise:
Exercise is an important activity to try to incorporate into everyday life, as it does wonderful things for both the body and mind! You don’t need to be spending hours thrashing it out in the gym to be getting those endorphins in the brain going. Even moderate exercise such as going for a walk releases endorphins in the brain, which boosts your mood and makes you feel better. If you love gym time or fancy trying a new class, Strathclyde Sport offers a variety of classes for all abilities. 

Socialising/Hobbies:
It is important to keep up with people who have a positive impact on your life and to keep up favourite hobbies and/or find new interests. Socialising and hobbies help to reduce the build-up of stress and give you a break from your hectic life. Joining a club or society not only gives you the opportunity to try something new or continue doing a hobby or interest you love; it’s also a great way to meet new people.

Relaxation/Me time:
Relaxation and 'Me time' is an important element of everyday life and aids in reducing the build-up of stress. Taking some time out from our busy lives for relaxation and 'me time' can take many forms, such as going out for hike or having a laugh with friends watching a favourite film. Pampering yourself and taking care of yourself can really boost your self-esteem, make you feel good about yourself, and can be something fun to do with family or friends. Meditation and deep relaxation is an important technique to incorporate into daily life, as it’s a great way to relax and de-stress.

Positive thinking:

It can be hard when you feel weighed down by your worries and responsibilities to see the positive and good things in your life. A great technique is to keep a diary and write down one to three positive things that occurred during that day and why they made you smile.