The Mental Health Foundation have set this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme as ‘Stress: Are We Coping?’.

Stress is a key factor which can significantly impact one’s mental wellbeing. As exam season is just around the corner, we wanted to share a bit of information about where you can turn to if you feel like you’re not coping. Universities have dedicated teams who are available to help you to manage stress, not only around exam time but all year, regardless of the issue.

“Stress is not a mental health problem itself. The stress response is a survival strategy to keep us safe. […] Chronic stress increases our risk of addictive and destructive behaviour, of developing anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.” – Mental Health Foundation

People deal with stress differently and managing it is a skill; there isn’t a one-size-fits-all way of dealing with it, which is why universities offer different types of advice and support to help you manage and thrive during your time at uni. All advice is free and confidential.

For students at Leeds Beckett click here.

For students at Leeds University click here.

For students at Leeds Arts University click here. 

For students at Leeds College of Music click here.

For students at Northern School of Contemporary Dance click here. 

Alternatively, your Students’ Union will be able to direct you as they often have wellbeing or welfare officers for you to speak with.

Or if you don’t want to go to your university, MindWell is an external initiative which also offers support to people of Leeds.

Good luck to all with deadlines and exams over the next few weeks! Remember, if you feel like you’re not coping, there is always someone willing to listen.

 “By tackling stress, we can improve the UK’s mental health.”