uni counsellings/mental health support??

[bluegreyblack]

Hi, Im current student failing horribly in life and mental health, and I finally built up courage to consider counsellings and stuff.

Im thinking of visiting my uni mental health support but Im little nervous about it too, so I was wondering if anyone here have any experience about it.

Is it a good idea to go to university supports, or is it better to find GP via other method??

[smallwolf]

Hi. Welcome to beyond blue.

I cannot say I have had experience with counselors at Uni, but I would have thought they would have to be appropriately qualified for the areas they specialise in. And then if your problems are outside their area, would refer you to the appropriate people. So if your problems are with subjects or study pressures, they would be good?

Other factors to take into consideration include financial costs if you went elsewhere.

Perhaps you could ask the staff at uni if/when you see them and discuss your issues whether they help or should you look elsewhere?

Of course you will also find resources here to help as well. There are threads on grounding and mindfulness which might help you with study. Writing here might help as well?

Tim

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi bluegreyblack,

Welcome to the forums. It is a great first step reaching out here and it sounds like you have made the decision to go further and get some support via your university counselling service. Being nervous about seeing a health professional for your mental health is normal.

It is really difficult to judge whether a university counsellor would be better for you than another health professional. What usually matters to people most if how comfortable they feel with the person they talk to. If you feel comfortable with your university counsellor and develop a plan towards improving your mental health, then this is great. If you see the university counsellor and its not quite what you had hoped then you could then go and see your GP and discuss other options.

In any case, by reaching out on the forums as well as commencing your journey to see a health professional, you are well underway towards improving your mental health. As small wolf also suggested, mindfulness can be a great way to help rest your mind from the worry that you are having and can improve concentration over time. There are many ways to learn about mindfulness including reading through the forum (just search mindfulness for different threads) and another way could be trying Smiling Mind which many people have found helpful in starting their learnings in mindfulness.

Keep on reaching out bluegreyblack - and if you want to chat to someone immediately, there is always a friendly voice at the other end of the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636. I know you mentioned that you feel as though you are failing horribly in your post but so far, you are really kicking some goals by being strong enough to reach out and get the support you need to improve your health.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[MsPurple]

HI bluegreyblack and welcome

opening up on the forums can be tough so I commend you for taking the first steps into wellness. Tim and Nurse Jen have some great advice so I'll try not repeat

While at uni I was suffering really bad anxiety and depression. TO the point that it nearly swallowed me up. I needed help. I was too nervous to see a GP and near my university there was a youth mental health service called headspace. I saw their gp for a mental health care plan and they refered me to a therapist (can refer to psychologist, counsellor, mental health nurse, social worker etc, depends on what you need and what they have at that local headspace). For me it was helpful. Now a few years down the track I go to my GP and see a psychologist. I found both ways just as beneficial.

Also while at uni I was suggested to join the Universities disability services. You are eligible if a health professional signs off on paperwork. Mental illness allows you to be eligible. For me this service allowed me to get more days off for placement to make appointments. I know for some they got extra exam time etc. I suggest looking into it at your local university.

Hope some of these suggestions were helpful. Let me know if you have any questions you want to ask me