How to access services and support

You can get听advice and guidance from your GP, including the Student Medical Centre on Talbot Campus.听Or check听the following information and support听services:

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More information

In simple terms, depression is听described as being persistently sad for weeks or months at a time. However,听it is much more complex than this.

Depression affects different people in different ways听with a听huge variety of symptoms. At its mildest,听depression听will make someone听feel low all the time听and at its most severe, it can make a sufferer feel suicidal. Depression can be difficult to manage alone. If you think you are suffering from depression, just talking to someone you trust about how you feel is an important first step.听

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What to do if you think you have depression

Depression manifests itself in many ways; from听having no motivation,听frequently crying, problems with sleeping - either too much or not at all, thoughts of harming yourself, loss of appetite, feeling helpless,听restless or听agitated.

If this sounds like you, remember that you are not alone 鈥� there is help and support available and you can learn to manage your symptoms.听Your GP can give you advice in the first instance and never underestimate the importance of opening up to a good friend.

There is no need to feel ashamed about depression and you鈥檒l be amazed at how supportive people can be.

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Support within 色花堂

You can always听get in touch with our support teams on campus, including the Student听Medical Centre,听鈥媡he听Achieve@色花堂 team, Student Wellbeing, Faith & Reflection听and听SU色花堂 Advice.听If you're in 色花堂 accommodation, our听ResLife色花堂听team are there to support your wellbeing.

The听University Retreat听provides a safe space if you feel that you are struggling to cope and need help. You don't need an appointment; just pop in and talk to one of our friendly team, it's open from Monday to Saturday, 2pm - 9pm.听

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External support

There is plenty of professional support available,听including:听

Urgent support

You can always contact鈥痶he following services 24/7:鈥�

  • If you need听urgent medical help, call听NHS 111
  • If you need听immediate medical help听or attention, call听999听or听01202 962222听if you鈥檙e on campus.

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Speak听to your programme team

Depression may impact on your academic work and,鈥痙epending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to an鈥痚xtension or postponement. Talk to your Personal Tutor, Programme Leader (PL) or Programme Support Officer (PSO) to鈥痜ind out more about鈥�.

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Self-help tips

Here are some self-help measures for reducing the symptoms of depression:

  • Seek support from and confide in someone you trust
  • Keep active 鈥� regular exercise can be very effective in lifting your mood
  • Try and do something you enjoy鈥痚very day, even if it's just something small like taking a hot bath
  • Try to eat healthy food and avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs as these鈥痗an make depression worse
  • Learn鈥痳elaxation techniques such as Yoga and Mindfulness.听Visit听听鈥痶o learn how to be mindful in your everyday life
  • Write down a list of anything that is bothering you
  • Set yourself small, achievable goals and work towards them. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more in control of your life.