It’s all too easy to find yourself feeling low – the pressures of life as a student are not to be understated, but it’s often also too easy to start dismissing your mental health. When anxiety, depression, or other issues hit you it can feel as if the whole world is working against you – it’s easy to feel alone, and the thought of taking your own life may start to sound like an option. It is something that countless people go through in their lives, and it is something that MUST be talked about more. This is because suicide is never an option, and you are never truly alone. This article compiles a list of UK-based charities, organisations, helplines, messaging and online services who cater to all things mental health and suicide prevention. If you are feeling low, the support you need is not hard to find, because there are countless people across the country who are here to help you.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans is an organisation who are available 24/7, 365 days a year. They provide a safe place for anyone who may be struggling, no matter who they are, what they feel, or what they have experienced. Call 116 123, send an e-mail to jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website at www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch, and how you can get help.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) works in particular to prevent male suicide, and offers support services for any man who finds himself in crisis. CALM’s helpline at 0800 58 58 58 and web-chat are available for any man in the UK who needs to talk, or discover information and support. Their services are open from 5pm–midnight everyday and everything remains free, anonymous and confidential. For access to their services or to find more information you can visit their website at thecalmzone.net
Shout
Shout is a free, UK-based 24/7 text service for anyone in who feels like they may be struggling. It’s a place to utilise if you find you’re unable to cope and you need immediate help and you can text them at 85258, or visit their website for more information at www.giveusashout.org
Mind
Mind is an organisation who are here to help people take control of their mental health. They achieve this by providing high-quality information, advice, and constantly campaign to promote and protect good mental health. They also provide a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers. You can find all their information at the website www.mind.org.uk – also, you can contact their helpline MindInfoLine at 0300 123 3393, a line which offers callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues.
Papyrus
This organisation offers support for anyone under 35 who may be contemplating suicide, but also offer support for anyone concerned that another young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide – you can text them at 07860 039967, call them at HOPELINEUK at 0800 068 4141, and find further information on their website at www.papyrus-uk.org
Trauma Research UK
Trauma Research UK are a national, registered trauma research charity who are dedicated to making a difference in the realm of mental health. They offer a number of support and recovery programmes to those suffering from trauma and anxiety-related disorders, included (but certainly not limited to) phobias, panic attacks, PTSD, OCD, GAD etc. You can find more information on their website at www.traumaresearchuk.org
Kooth.com
Kooth.com is an online counselling service that provides vulnerable young people, between the ages of 11 and 25, with advice and support for emotional or mental health problems. Their purpose is to offer users a free, confidential, safe and anonymous way to access the help that they need, and you can gain access to their service at www.kooth.com
Students Against Depression
Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those who find themselves being affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thoughts. Alongside clinical information and resources, they showcase the experiences, strategies and advice from students themselves who have overcome these experiences with their own mental health. You can find all their information and resources at https://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/
Molly Rose Foundation
The aim of the Molly Rose Foundation is suicide prevention, targeted especially towards those who are under the age of 25. They want to help spot those suffering from mental illness and connect them to the help, support and practical advice they need, and you can find all their information here at their website www.mollyrosefoundation.org
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed, or at the brink, to talk to someone – as soon as those feelings of lowness start, reach out and get talking. You’ll find that there are so many people out there who are ready and waiting to listen.
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