How to communicate with university staff about your mental health

Reaching out for help can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’ve not spoken to someone personally or face-to-face before. We want to remind you that it’s important to remember that university staff want you to have the best experience and support you however they can. 

Remember that university staff want you to do well 

University staff want to see you do well and they understand that you are navigating a range of challenges outside of your studies which may impact the time you have to work effectively on their course. With this in mind, make sure to be honest and open with them but don’t feel as though you have to share everything.

Explain that you have been struggling to finish an assignment, or haven’t been able to make it to classes because of personal matters and ask if there is any way they can help. This is a great first step to receiving support and understanding from your teachers. 

“The basis for self-advocating is reflecting on how you’re feeling: asking yourself what can help you feel even better, and communicating what you need to those around you. In a university context, staff are very understanding and willing to help you as much as they can. Universities are invested in you, your well-being and your success. Disability support and academic welfare are essential departments which provide support and can help you advocate for your needs. By communicating, staff can help support you across every aspect of student life: academic, social, emotional, financial…the more you email and talk, the easier it becomes to get what you need to survive and thrive.”

Rachel Lawrence, philosophy and politics student at Durham University – Making the grade: how to be your best self-advocate when navigating university and mental health. 

Consider contact hours 

Lecturers usually have contact hours which they share in the course handbook you receive early in the term. If you don’t have this, you can usually find the information in the course virtual learning environment, but you can also contact the department to ask when contact hours are too.

Contact hours are a great way to introduce yourself personally to your tutors or lecturers and highlight your commitment to their module. By going to them during their contact hours, either in-person or over a call, you can explain further the support you need. This provides teachers with the opportunity to ask further questions and confirm how they can support you. 

Find out what the extenuating circumstances policy is at your institution 

If you are distracted or struggling with your studies, let your personal tutor or student support team know. Make sure you ask about extensions to deadlines, mitigating circumstances or even a leave of absence if things are really difficult. They will understand that you are facing a range of challenges as a student, so don’t worry if you find yourself falling behind. Just make sure to reach out for support early and do what you can to make it easier for yourself and your mental health during the difficult period. 

You can find out more about reaching out for support on the Student Minds website at Student Space.

Where to go for support outside of help with studies 

Academic staff can provide support with your studies, however, if you feel like you need further mental health support, it is important to reach out to your student support services or well-being team. These teams are equipped with the knowledge and advice to help you with your mental health and well-being needs.

From counselling to self-help resources and information on dealing with the challenges you face across your student journey, the student support and well-being teams are professionally trained to support you, so it is important to reach out to them if you need more support outside of your studies. 

Don’t suffer alone 

Ultimately, it is important that you reach out for support if you are struggling at university. You are given a lot of independence at university which can feel amazing to many students. But it also means that if you are having a difficult experience, people might not know unless you make them aware.

Even if you feel alone sometimes at university, you are not alone. Asking for help is a big step in receiving the support you deserve to do well in your studies.

Want to find out more about looking after your mental health at university?

Student Space, run by Student Minds, is here to help you as you navigate the uncertainty of university life. Whether you’re stressed about your studies, personal life, or if you have concerns about what university life will look like, you don’t have to struggle on your own. Explore their dedicated resources, tips, tools and student stories to find the help you need.