The University has launched a mental health and wellbeing survey for all students, closely modelled on one that was launched last year. The deadline for completing the survey is Monday 14th May.
The Faculty of Health Sciences survey that was launched last year had a turnout rate of 1,387 students and has led to over 20 active changes that have been completed or are in currently in progress.
The last survey was commissioned by the 2016/17 Faculty Representative for Health Sciences, John Gilbert, to ‘investigate help-seeking behaviours and identify potential areas for improvement’.
The key findings from the survey showed that:
- 1 in 4 students screened positively for moderate to severe depression
- 27% of students screened positively for moderate to severe anxiety
- 1 in 5 students had thought they might have an eating disorder since starting their course
- 16% of students had experienced suicidal thoughts in the fortnight prior to filling in the survey
- 10% of students had self-harmed since the beginning of their course.
Jack McAlinden, a representative from the faculty said: ‘The results of the survey have changed the way the Faculty looks at mental wellbeing support.’
If you've experienced depression, bereavement, hearing voices or creative therapies, apply to be an expert by experience and help us shape our mental health information.
— Mind (@MindCharity) 1 May 2018
Find out more and apply here > https://t.co/5dGYJhJ2pK pic.twitter.com/O5wp5gbthU
The deadline for the new survey is the 14th May and all students are encouraged to complete it to help steer the direction the University takes in its approach to mental health and wellbeing.
You can complete the survey via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/uobwellbeing
Featured image: Faculty of Health Sciences
Most people who are thinking of taking their own life have shown warning signs beforehand.
These can include becoming depressed, showing sudden changes in behaviour, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness. These feelings do improve and can be treated.
If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
Other student support services include:
Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/ 0808 802 5544
Nightline https://www.nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/
Papyrus https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 0800 068 41 41
Student Minds http://www.studentminds.org.uk/findsupport.html
