Mental Health

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.

• Faith Services 
  All major faiths are represented in the local area and are within easy reach of the campus. 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 > 

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. 

Report a concern
The university has an online form to report concerns about other students. You can do that here >

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. 

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.