Samaritans
In one of my modules, I have “adopted” a non-profit organisation called Samaritans, a leading suicide prevention charity in the UK. They provide emotional support for anyone who’s struggling to cope with mental health, who needs someone to listen without judgment or pressure. The Samaritans have a free hotline with volunteers waiting on the line 24/7 if you need someone to talk to.
Forced isolation and mental health
England and many parts of the United Kingdom are currently having a “lockdown”. The aim is to curb the second (or third?) wave of Covid-19, since the number of cases soared in the recent months. The same is happening in most parts of the world as well.
In a world of uncertainties and forced isolation while battling a global pandemic, mental health is not something to be overlooked. People are losing their livelihood and income, or even losing their loved ones to the virus. Then there’s also political turmoils, extremism threats and natural disasters happening all over the world.
Your support system
It has been truly unprecedented times — but remember to always look out for each other. Check up on your parents who may be living away from you. Call up a sibling or friend to see how they are doing. Keep a lookout on your neighbours or flatmates by offering to run some errands if needed.
University mental health support
The University of Westminster offers student support services that aim to help students who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. You can always reach out to the teams that would offer support:
- Student Wellbeing: through a range of advice, guidance and support services the Student Wellbeing Team can help you in looking after your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Contact them on: student-wellbeing@westminster.ac.uk
- Counselling: professionally trained counsellors are happy to talk to you about anything that’s bothering you, from an inability to study, poor concentration and depression, to relationship problems and bereavement. Contact them on counselling@westminster.ac.uk
Both of those services are open and supporting students remotely via Microsoft Teams (either audio or video).
Alternatively, you can also contact the Samaritans anytime at 116 123 or through email: jo@samaritans.org.
We got this. We will get through this.
Latest posts by Lynn Zulkarim (see all)
- The Day London Turned Into Winter Wonderland - February 1, 2021
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It’s true that nowadays you have to pay more attention to mental health as well as to physical health and a safe environment. There is a lot to worry about, a lot to stress about, and a lot to grieve about. It can be hard to take it alone. But as a student, you can really get the help you need by going to counseling.
Thank you, a lot of people need that right now!
“Useful post” ❤️
This info was very much important and required to be discussed.
You can manage your Mental Health Naturally