What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. 
It’s a huge part of everyday life — shaping how we handle stress, relate to other people, make decisions, and deal with change. 

Just like our physical health, mental health isn’t fixed. It can change day to day, month to month, or year to year. 
Some days you’ll feel strong, confident and on top of the world. Other days you might feel overwhelmed, low or anxious — and that’s completely normal. 

At Essex SU, we want you to know: 

• Everyone has mental health. 

• Everyone’s mental health can fluctuate. 

• And everyone deserves support when they need it, without judgment. 

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 
Getting support early on can make a massive difference, you don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable. 

What does Mental Health look like?  

Mental health support isn't just for people in crisis. 
It covers lots of different experiences, including: 

• Stress and burnout (academic pressure, deadlines, part-time work balance) 

• Anxiety and panic attacks (including social anxiety, exam nerves) 

• Depression and low mood (feeling sad, numb, hopeless, or exhausted) 

• Loneliness or homesickness (missing home, struggling to settle) 

• Relationship or friendship issues (break-ups, fallouts, feeling isolated) 

• Grief and loss (coping with bereavement or major life changes) 

• Housing or financial stress (worries about accommodation, money struggles) 

• Trauma (past experiences affecting you now) 

• Self-esteem and confidence (feeling like you’re not good enough) 

• Identity and belonging (navigating who you are and where you fit) 

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to ask for help. 
You don’t have to explain everything perfectly. 
You don’t need to hit "rock bottom" first. 

If something is affecting your life, your studies, your happiness - that’s enough. 

But Essex SU is here for you. Read on to find out what support is available.  

Get Support

University life can be a rollercoaster of emotions – the highs, lows and everything in between. As a member of Essex SU, you’ll never have to manage alone.  

You’ve got different options depending on what you need right now; from a one-off chat to ongoing therapy… 

One-Off Chats and Check-Ins 

Sometimes you just need to talk things through with someone who gets it. 
You can book a quick appointment for advice, support, or just a listening ear. 

• SU Advice 
  Free, confidential help with academic stress, housing issues, money worries, and more. Find out more on the SU Advice page.

• SWIS (Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service) 
  Talk through whatever’s going on and get signposted to the right support. Find out more on the University website.

• Residence Life Team 
  Friendly support if you live in University accommodation - great if you’re feeling homesick, lonely or unsettled. Find out more on the University website.

• Faith Centre 
  A safe space for pastoral support, reflection or just a confidential chat - open to everyone. Find out more on the University website.  

Ongoing Therapy and Professional Support 

If you’re looking for regular support over time, these services are here for you: 

• Student Counselling Service 
  Free professional counselling for all Essex students (including intermitting students). Find out more on the University website.

• Therapy For You (IAPT North East Essex) 
  Access NHS talking therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma or stress. Find out more on the Therapy For You website.

• Mid and North East Essex Mind 
  Mental health support and counselling services for students and the wider community. Find out more on the Mind website.

Peer Support and Self-Help Communities 

Sometimes it helps just knowing you’re not the only one. 

• Togetherall 
  An anonymous online community where you can talk, listen, and support others 24/7. Find out more on the Togetherall website.

As well as the services above, there are people around campus you can turn to if you need help, advice or someone to talk to 👇 

VP Welfare 

Hi, I’m your VP Welfare. My role is all about supporting your wellbeing and making sure your voice is heard when it comes to mental health, safety, and support across all our campuses. 
I work with the University and SU to improve services, run campaigns, and help make Essex a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to thrive throughout their degree. 

If you’re struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or don’t know where to go, please remember you’re not alone. 
You can contact me any time at vpwelfare@essex.ac.uk or pop into my office between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Personal Tutors 

Your Personal Tutor is also part of your support network. 

They can: 

• Answer your queries or direct you to the most appropriate source of advice 

• Support you with any difficulties that may affect your studies 

• Recommend other University support services that can help 

Please note: Personal Tutors cannot provide ongoing emotional support, counselling, or health advice, but they can help you find the right support when you need it. 

Contact your personal tutor > 

Get Involved

Getting involved with Essex SU isn’t just fun - it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

Studies show that staying active, learning new things, connecting with others and giving back can all boost your mood, your confidence, and your wellbeing. 

And the best part? There's something for absolutely everyone… 

Sport and Fitness 

Essex Blades Sports Clubs 

Football. Cheer. Ultimate frisbee. Solo sports. Team sports. Land or water, whatever you’re into, there’s a club for you. 
We’ve got 40+ student-run teams who train hard, play harder, and stick together through wins and losses. 
You can also boost your skills and your CV by taking on a Sports Exec role, think Club President, Social Media Manager, and more. 

See all Sports Clubs and get involved > 

The Tribe — Back the Blades 

You don’t have to play to be part of the action. 
Join Essex Tribe, our official supporters' crew, and cheer on the Blades at matches and competitions. 

Join the Tribe > 

SU Societies 

100+ societies to get involved with. From Taylor Swift fans to future lawyers, K-Pop stans to environmental activists — there’s a society (or three) waiting for you. 
You can also run for a Society Exec role and help lead the way. 

Explore SU Societies > 

Volunteer with VTeam 

Do good, feel good, and make lifelong friends while you’re at it. 
We’ve got projects from animal welfare to creative writing, farming to coding. They’re all student-led, no experience needed. 
Bonus: you’ll pick up skills that employers love, and you’ll be part of an award-winning team (hello, King's Award for Voluntary Service 2023). 

Find your project with VTeam > 

Media and Creativity 

Rebel 

Ready to get creative? Rebel is Essex’s student media platform. A space to broadcast, debate, educate, entertain, and make your mark. Whether you’re a budding journalist, podcaster, filmmaker, or just curious, we’ve got space for you. No experience needed, just good vibes and big ideas. 

Get involved with Rebel > 

SU Makes 

Need to switch off and do something creative? Come along to SU Makes and get stuck into free crafting sessions.   

No skills required, just show up and make something great. 

See SU Makes events > 

Communities 

Find Your People 

Our student communities are safe spaces to connect, celebrate, and make friends who just get it. 

Join one (or more) that feel like home: 

• Asian Students’ Community 
• International Students’ Community 
• LGBTQ+ Students’ Community 
• Mature Students’ Community 
• Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Students’ Community 
• Postgraduate Research (PGR) Students’ Community 
• Students with Disabilities Community 
• Student Parents and Carers Community 
• Women Students’ Community 

Connect with a Community > 

Represent Your Community 

Want to make real change? Stand for a Student Community Officer, Council Rep, Union Chair or Campus Chair role. 
Elections happen every May and October. 

Find out more > 

Events and Social Life 

Whatever your vibe, we’ve got something for you: 

• SU Reads - A chilled, social book club. 
• Antisocial and Introverts Social Club - A low-key mixer for low-key people 
• SU Bar & Top Bar Events - From karaoke to quizzes to Sex Toy Bingo (yes, really), with loads of free events every week. 
• Sub Zero Events - Club nights, live music and big parties. 

Other ways to meet people: 

• SU Mixers - Meet new mates without the awkwardness. 
• Just Play - Casual sport, no commitment needed. 
• Online Communities - Connect from wherever you are. 
• Student Staff Roles - Earn while you get involved. 

See what’s on > 

Looking After Your Mates

Whether it’s your course mate, your housemate, or your best mate from back home, here’s how you can look out for the people you care about.

Quick links:

• How to spot when a friend might be struggling >
• What to say and what not to say >
• What to do if you’re really worried about a friend >

Spot the Signs 

Your mates might not always say when they’re struggling. 
Look out for things like: 

• Going quiet or cancelling plans a lot. 
• Acting differently, such as being more stressed, angry, or withdrawn. 
• Missing lectures, deadlines, or group meet-ups. 
• Drinking or partying more than usual. 
• Saying things like "what's the point?" or "I can't cope." 

You don’t have to have all the answers. Just noticing and showing you care can make a huge difference. 

How to Help 

Check in 
Send them a message, knock on their door, or invite them for a chat. Ask how they are really doing — not just "you alright?" but "how are you, honestly?" 

Listen, don't fix 
You don’t need to solve everything. Just listening, without jumping in with advice, is often the best thing you can do. 

Be normal 
Keep inviting them to do the usual things: walks, gaming nights, coffee, Netflix marathons. Let them know they are still included, even if they say no sometimes. 

Encourage support 
If they seem like they are struggling, suggest they reach out to services like SU Advice, SWIS, or the counselling team. Offer to help them book an appointment or walk with them if they feel nervous. 

Look after yourself too 
Supporting someone can be tough. It is okay to set boundaries and get your own support if you need it. 

Remember; you don’t have to be an expert. 
Being there, listening, and helping them find the right support is more than enough. 
Small actions can make a big difference. 

Mental Health Awareness Week

Every May, we run Mental Health Awareness Week to shine a light on mental health, challenge stigma, and celebrate the ways we can all look after our wellbeing and each other. 

Each year has a different theme - from anxiety and loneliness to movement and connection - but our message stays the same: your mental health matters and you are not alone! 

Throughout the week: 

• Wellbeing Activities: Join free activities like Sip and Paint, an inclusive Misfits dance workout session, designed to help you relax, recharge, and connect. 
• Pop-up Spaces: Keep an eye out for our Wellbeing Hubs around campus - safe spaces where you can drop by pick up resources, chat to someone, or just take a breather. We’re here for you. 
• Peer-Led Conversations: Real students sharing real stories, helping to break down stigma and show that no one struggles alone. 
• Tools and resources: We will have made your own self-soothe bags, make your own fidget toys, and resources and tips help you look after your wellbeing - not just during Awareness Week. 

Why it matters 

Mental health isn’t just something we talk about for one week - but Mental Health Awareness Week gives us a chance to stop, reflect, and remind each other that support is always here. 

Whatever you’re feeling, wherever you’re at - you are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone. 

Find out more about this year’s events and how to get involved ➔ 

Looking after your mental health isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about staying connected, taking care of yourself, and knowing you’re not alone. 
Whatever’s going on, we’re right here with you.