Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 15 to 21 May

This year’s theme: Anxiety

"Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid, particularly about things that are about to happen (e.g., preparing for an exam or assignment), or which we think could happen in the future (e.g., thinking and feeling we will fail an exam). It is a very natural human response to feeling under pressure or stressed. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. Anxiety can often cause us to feel that we do not have control over things or powerless."

Evidence suggests that there are five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing, and these may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Learn more about these steps in the video below.

Trying these steps could help you feel more positive and in control, and able to get the most out of life. 

Support and resources at Westminster

As a student at Westminster, you can access a range of services aimed at supporting you with looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing:

• Our Student Wellbeing page offers advice, guidance and support services that can help you enhance your physical, mental and emotional health
•  There is a variety of self-help wellbeing resources available on a range of topics that can also support your health and wellbeing
•  Our Good Thinking App, a FREE NHS-approved digital mental health and wellbeing app, provides you with a range of support if you are struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and any other mental health concerns. The app may support you in maintaining positive mental health
•  If you are finding things difficult and need someone to talk to in a safe and supportive environment, our Counselling team can offer individual appointments and group sessions for help and advice
•  If you have any concerns, are worried, unwell, or in need of specialist support, you should also speak with your personal tutor. They can refer you to a wellbeing adviser to help you get the support that you need
•  If you have a disability or condition that affects your studies and wellbeing, our Disability Learning Support (DLS) team are here to offer confidential support for those who need it
•  Join our Student Mindfulness Programme if you would like to begin exploring or continue improving your skills of awareness in relating to all of your life experiences while studying at University
• Make the most of our free sports facilities, which will help you to stay fit and active
• Keep an eye on the Students’ Union events page to access wellbeing workshops and events taking place throughout the year, and remember UWSU has an advice service if you need impartial advice or support on issues relating to your studies
• Your Students’ Union ‘Dragons Active’ programme provides inclusive and welcoming sessions for those looking to try a new activity or to socialise in a fun, friendly environment
• You can come to any of the UWSU receptions onsite to speak with a member of your UWSU’s friendly team

External support

Other external services are also available to help you with expert support and wellbeing advice:

• Student Space
• Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic mental health support services
• How can I help myself? Self-Care Tips
• NHS - Every Mind matters: Self-help resources

Upcoming workshops for all students

• Mental Health support while at University – Wednesday 17 May 2023, 2–3pm 

Join the Disability Learning Support team to find about more about support and adjustments available to support you in your studies. Find out more and book your place.

• How to tackle stress and worry workshop – Monday 15 to 21 May, 9am–9pm

During this week, you can access this pre-recorded webinar hosted by Westminster NHS Talking Therapies service, on ‘How to tackle stress and worry.’ Find out moreGo to How to tackle stress page .