Is it Time to Talk about your mental health?

Talking about mental health can be difficult, but it can also change your life. That’s why we’re supporting Time to Talk Day on Thursday 6 February, an annual awareness day encouraging people to be more open about our mental health and talk about how we really feel.

Why should we talk about mental health?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and if we don’t talk about it, we add to the stigma which surrounds it. This stigma can lead to people feeling like they can’t seek help if they need it. We want to change the narrative that talking about mental health and seeking help shows weakness- in fact, it’s the opposite. Being honest about your mental health shows bravery, and we encourage everyone to take the first step by talking about how you’re feeling.

By talking about mental health, we can lessen this stigma and normalise these conversations. Although it can be difficult to talk about, opening up about your mental health has a lot of benefits. Talking about your mental health can help you get things off your chest, and even the simple act of sharing can have a positive impact on your mood.

Student mental health and wellbeing

Having these conversations is particularly important as a student. Beginning your studies is exciting, but student life can also be challenging. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. According to Student Minds, 1 in 4 students report having a diagnosed mental health issue at university, so it’s more common than you might think.  Although not all students have a mental health issue, you can still experience low mental health when facing issues like money worries, exams, homesickness and loneliness. Speaking with your friends about how you’re feeling can allow them to support you, and it might encourage them to open up too. It’s so important to check on your friends at university: even just letting someone know you’re there for them can have a big impact.

Talk to someone at UoB

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend or family member, you can talk to a professional here at UoB. Our free 24/7 confidential listening and support service, UB Heard, is available to all registered students at the University. 

Each school at UoB has their own Wellbeing Officer, who can offer practical and emotional support if you’re experiencing personal problems at University. 

For ongoing therapeutic support, you can register with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. They’re staffed by experienced therapeutic practitioners who can work with you to overcome difficulties you might be facing.

You can drop in to a Pause@UoB session between 11AM and 5PM every Wednesday and Thursday at the Lodge, North Gate. Pause provides a safe space for students up to age 25 to talk about mental health and wellbeing.

For a full list of the free support available to you, visit our Time to Talk? intranet page.

Hear from our students

It can be difficult to balance your studies with looking after yourself at university, and if you’re finding it hard, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, it can help just to know that someone else has experienced what you’re going through. Hear from some of our students on their experiences of dealing with mental health at university.

• Feeling low or a lack of enthusiasm during the winter months is quite common, and it can impact your mental health. Student Content Shaper Ellen shares her tips on looking after your wellbeing in winter. Read Ellen's blog.
• It's okay to ask for help if you need it. Student Content Shaper Caitlin shares her experience and where you can find support for your mental health at university. Read Caitlin's blog.
• Struggling with change? Student Lorna tells us about her experience with adjusting to life at University, and how she refuses to be defined by her depression. Read Lorna's story.

To help us normalise being open about mental health, we're looking for more students to share their lived experiences of mental health such as anxiety and stress as well as other topics. If you’d like to share your story, we’d love to hear from you. You can email us at studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk with an overview of what you'd like to write about. If successful, you'll be given a £15 voucher for your time.