Mental wellbeing describes how we are feeling and how well we function.
Mental health problems can affect mood, thinking and behaviour. Examples of mental health problems include:
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- psychosis
- eating disorders
- addictive behaviours.
Disclosing a concern
Disclose to the University
If you are concerned about your wellbeing or mental health, or that of someone you know, you can share your concern using the Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an adviser.
Other ways to disclose
Students
- Student Services (the Advice and Support Centre). Call +44 (0) 1334 46 2020 during daytime hours (9am to 5pm).
- The Security and Response Team operates 24/7 and can assist in an emergency, or when an urgent situation or security concern arises. They can connect you with the most appropriate Student Services member of staff out of hours (evenings and weekends).
- Your wardennial team can assist if you are in student residences.
Staff
- Human Resources Business Partners are available if you have a work-related issue.
- Occupational Health are available if you have a mental health or stress-related issue.
- The Security and Response Team operates 24/7 and can assist in an emergency, or when an urgent situation or security concern arises.
Support
University support
If you would like additional support, there are many resources available for both students and staff. Please see the how to get support page for more information.
The wellbeing pages offer more suggestions and information about how to support your wellbeing and mental health.
External support
- The NHS can offer support for physical and mental health, and normally your GP (doctor) will be the best place to start. If you are new to St Andrews and have yet to register with a GP practice, you can find out how to register.
- SilverCloud is available to all staff and students and is a free online resource that offers support using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) methods to address a range of issues.
- Breathing Space (Scotland) is a free confidential telephone helpline run by the NHS. It is for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 feeling low, anxious or depressed.
Phone: 0800 83 8587 (open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Friday. Weekends: open Friday from 6pm till 6am Monday)
How to help
If you know someone who has experienced or is experiencing wellbeing or mental health problems, you can help in the following ways:
- Listen. Take the time to listen and talk about what has happened.
- Signpost options. Ask them if they’re okay to talk through some possible options for support or how they might make a disclosure what has happened. Be mindful of your own wellbeing. Do not feel you have to take on the role of a counsellor or therapist.
- Help them makea disclosure. If they want to, and you feel able to, you can help them disclose their concerns or experiences.
Resources
- ShelfHelp
The University Library has a selection of books which explore common problems that students and staff may face. These books are available to borrow from the Library or read online.