Stress or anxiety

A certain amount of stress and anxiety is very normal and many of us can be effectively supported by reminders that it is normal and often temporary due to a short-term issue in our lives.

For students this could be a deadline or some friction with their housemates. However, if a student tells you that their levels of stress/anxiety is causing them longer-term problems you can help them through some simple steps by:

• Encouraging them to talk about what it is that might be causing their stress and then directing them to the relevant support team that might be able to help them resolve the underlying problem.
• Directing the student to or working through the NHS Depression & Anxiety self-assessment tool with them.
• Directing them to or working through the guidance on our Stress self help guide.
• Directing them to any relevant Life Tools sessions. There are frequent sessions on managing academic pressure, bouncing back etc).
• Helping them to identify friends or family that they can talk to.
• If the stress/anxiety has become debilitating they should seek support from their GP or from the Welfare Team. 

If you are concerned that a student is suffering from levels of stress/anxiety that is evidently and significantly impacting on their lives but they have not raised it with you, you may wish to discuss it with them or explore your concern with a colleague to discuss a way forward.

Members of the Student Welfare Team will be happy to advise you and/or reach out to the student if they feel it appropriate. You can notify them via the Notification of Concern route.