Student Mental Health Zine Issue 1

Student Mental Health Zine Elephant in the Room

Zine Issue 1 Compiled by the Queen Margaret Union's Mental Health & Welfare Committee

Scan the QR code above to find digital and plain text copies of the zine, our compiled mental health resources, and for more information about Elephant in the Room, or follow the link below:

linktr.ee/elephantintheroom

Table of

Contents 4 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 20 24 28 30 30 30 31

Elephant in the Room - Convenor's note Condition spotlights Anxiety disorders Mood disorders Eating disorders Personality disorders Psychotic disorders Mental health in specific demographics LGBTQ+ students Students of colour and minority backgrounds Disabled and neurodivergent students Students from disadvantaged backgrounds Mental health in a pandemic The Peer Support Programme Student-led support Student bodies Student societies External support Support services at the University of Glasgow Counselling & Psychological Services (CaPS) Disability Services Credits

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Elephant in the Room Convenor's note

Welcome to Elephant in the Room’s 2021 Mental Health Zine! Ran by the Mental Health and Welfare Committee at the Queen Margaret Union (QMU), Elephant in the Room is a destigmatisation campaign to get students talking about mental health and how important it is to look after yourself. We have collated some of your experiences with mental health, along with our favourite self-help and crisis resources to create this zine, which we hope acts as a support token to those students beginning, or returning to, their university career. In this zine, you will find testimonies shared by fellow students who have first-hand experience with mental health, as well as information about various elements of mental health and things you can do to take care of your own mental health, with everything from counselling services and wellbeing committees, to creative societies and sports clubs!

You are never alone in your mental health, and there is always someone around to listen. As the Mental Health and Welfare committee, we value each and every person’s experience and will do everything we can to connect you to the services you are looking for. Please never hesitate to send us an email, contact us on social media, or pop by the QMU and in the meantime, enjoy the zine!

Lauren Binning ~ Mental Health and Welfare Convenor 2021/22

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Want to get invo tings Come to our mee0pm* :3 every Tuesday 4equired! no experience r * subje ct follow to change media our social for upd ates!

The Mental Health and Welfare Committee is one of six student committees at the QMU, working with the elected board, executives, and staff on union welfare initiatives. Starting as a subcommittee of the Campaigns and Charities Committee to run a mental health campaign called Elephant in the Room, this year is its first year as an official QMU committee. The group meets every week and has an elected student committee, but the door is always open for new volunteers - most start out as regular members who drop into a meeting, so don't be afraid to come along and see what we do!

The Elephant in the Room campaign continues to be the heart of our activities. Alongside sharing resources and student experiences on social media, we run two regular events: The Big Conversation, an informal chat circle for people to discuss various topics surrounding mental health; and Creative Sessions, a mental health safe space where we encourage using creative hobbies to de-stress. We frequently collaborate with other groups across campus - we hope you'll spot us beyond the QMU! To keep up with us, find all of our social media and contacts using the link or QR code provided in the previous page. This leads to our Linktree, which also has a compiled list of frequently-updated mental health resources.

@qmuelephantintheroom Elephant In The Room qmuelephantintheroom@gmail.com

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Condition spotlights Anxiety disorders Anxiety can refer to a general feeling of worry, panic, and stress, or it can be used as an umbrella of disorders characterised by a chronic experience of this feeling. Many people, including students, have experienced anxiety at least once in their life. However, anxiety disorders involve a more long-term and debilitating experience that often requires treatment. Anxiety can also be a main symptom of other conditions, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Types of anxiety include generalised anxiety disorder, which can be triggered by a range of situations; social anxiety, where fears centre around social situations and relationships; and health anxiety, where fears centre around being ill. It's important to remember that this kind of anxiety is different from general worry in that it's often more intense and difficult to control.

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- Katherine

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A study in 2019 found that anxiety disorders were the second most common diagnosis amongst university students. Stressors associated with university life, such as moving away from home, financial concerns, and studying can also heighten experiences of anxiety.

Anxiety disorders can be managed with medication, psychological therapies, and self help and coping methods. While it's important to know the challenges anxiety brings, it's also important to note that many people learn to manage it.

The NHS website provides more information on anxiety disorders, symptoms, causes, and possible treatments. Anxiety UK is a national charity which has online resources, helplines, and support groups for those affected (including friends and family) by anxiety, stress, and anxiety-based depression. No Panic also provides support for panic attacks, phobias, and obsessivecompulsive disorders.

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Mood disorders Mood disorders broadly describe types of depressive and bipolar disorders. Both can involve chronic feelings of depression, or low mood. Depression is the most common mental health problem across the world; in students, depressive disorders are the most common diagnosis. While many people will have experienced sadness, depression is long-term and difficult to control and can have both psychological and physical debilitating symptoms.

Major depressive disorder involves long periods of depression and a loss of interest in previously-pleasurable things. People experience a range of symptoms, including hopelessness, irritability, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.

On being diagnosed: The mind is an absurd paradox.

It is so much easier to cope with the unk now that what one already knows. n Sometimes the diagnosis act like a sense of identity. I was diagnossed wit h generalised anxiety and panic dis ord ers I think the tag itself made me mo . conscious of my being and rely in re beginning on idiosyncratic copingthe mechanism. The more I familia myself with people going throughrised like me, the more it became eas things cope with. I think a defined diagnoier to like a melting ice cream - all ove sis is hands and yet it is optimally tasr your does indeed become so much easty. It ier to ask for help and get it rather tha describing an ambiguous experienc n think writing and sharing my exp e. I eri with people helped me align andences understand my anxiety so much I can be much more empatheticbetter. kinder to myself knowing it is nat and l to go through. Writing and reassuura rin g myself has worked so well for me .

- Ishani

Other types of depressive disorders include seasonal affective disorder, where symptoms are most present during darker winter months; psychotic depression, where depression is present alongside symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia; and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where depression is heightened at the start of the menstrual cycle and symptoms often have a monthly pattern (not to be confused with PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome).

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common long-term conditions in the UK. It is characterised by alternating periods of severe depression and mania; mania being an emotional high often involving heightened energy and impulsivity, with other characteristics including paranoia, irritability, and sensory overload. Bipolar I is defined by more severe manic episodes, compared to bipolar II. Mood charts can help characterise these episodes.

While moderate "mood swings" are common and normal for many, those with bipolar can experience this to an extreme level where moods can be characterised as depressive or manic episodes. Both types of episodes can cause harm to the individual and interrupt functioning.

While depression and bipolar are conditions that can severely impact individuals, it's important to remember they are manageable. Medication and psychological therapies can support those diagnosed, along with everyday management of symptoms. The NHS website provides more information on these. Samaritans is a free national helpline for anyone who needs to talk, including for those with suicidal thoughts. Students Against Depression provides resources for those struggling with depression as well as anxiety and suicidality. Bipolar UK offers peer support groups and helplines, as well as much more information on bipolar disorder.

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Excerpt from Beat Eating Disorders blog: "Living with ARFID: I'm not just a fussy eater" by Jodie I’d describe my reaction towards trying anything other than my safe foods as a phobic response. My heart would be pounding, my whole body shaking, I felt physically sick – and this was before even eating. Even if I eventually mustered up the courage to put the food into my mouth, before I barely had the chance to chew, I would violently gag and consequently spit the food out. My body physically rejected anything other than what my mind deemed ‘safe’. This is the part people couldn’t seem to grasp, be it peers or even healthcare professionals, the sheer anxiety attached to this. If something made you react like that, would you want to do it again?

Would you want to face that every day, thrice?

Eating disorders Eating disorders are characterised by disordered eating behaviours as a way of coping with difficult situations or feelings.

"Disordered eating" can mean many things, including limiting amounts of food eaten, eating large quantities of food at once, or getting rid of food eaten through unhealthy means (e.g. being sick).

Eating disorders are often more about the individual's feelings than the food itself disordered eating behaviours can arise from a need to cope or feel in control. It's important to remember that this isn't always known by the individual and is difficult to have control over if it is, and eating disorders are never their fault.

People with anorexia deliberately limit how much they eat/drink, which can sometimes result in a lower body weight than is healthy for them. They may try to get rid of food eaten through acts like excessive exercise, being sick, or misusing laxatives. People with bulimia experience cycles of "bingeing" (eating large amounts of food at once) and "purging" (getting rid of food eaten). For both, weight and body image can play a large role - for example, people with anorexia often have a distorted image of themselves and think they're larger than they really are, resisting ideas of gaining weight.

With binge eating disorder, people have episodes of binge eating without feeling like they're in control of what they're doing. Unlike bulimia, this usually isn't followed by purging. Binge eating episodes are often physically and mentally distressing for the individual.

People with ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder) avoid certain foods, restrict the amount of food they eat, or both. The most common reasons include sensory aversions (e.g. taste, texture, temperature), worries about adverse eating experiences (e.g. choking, abdominal pain), and low interest (e.g. not recognising they're hungry). This differs from anorexia and bulimia in that the anxiety associated around eating isn't often linked to weight/body image.

OSFED (other specified feeding/eating disorder) is the most common eating disorder diagnosis and is given when symptoms don't fully fit the criteria for just one of the defined eating disorders.

Anyone can have an eating disorder/experience disordered eating. It's commonly perpetuated that only certain demographics and appearances can have eating disorders, but they affect all ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds. While weight loss is common in disorders such as anorexia, many can appear "healthy" or "overweight" - this doesn't change their experience.

While it is a myth that eating disorders are "easy to overcome" and require a simple change in behaviour, many do learn to manage and overcome their symptoms with time and professional help. Treatments depend on the individual but can include therapies, diet and nutrition support, and medication for any physical complications.

The NHS website provides more information on eating disorders as a whole and on specific types. Beat Eating Disorders is the UK's national eating disorder charity and provides extensive resources and support services, including a dedicated student helpline. SupportED Scotland is a community eating disorder charity offering peer-led support groups for people affected by eating disorders and food/body image, as well as separate groups for their parents and carers.

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Personality disorders Personality disorders involve difficulties in relating to oneself and others, with thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviours causing significant problems in day-to-day life. The way we think and feel will always be different between individuals and there is nothing "wrong" with any one way, but those who receive a personality disorder diagnosis may seek help because of negative impacts on their life, wellbeing, and relationships.

One example is borderline personality disorder (BPD), a type of emotional personality disorder. People with BPD might experience difficulty controlling their emotions, cognitive distortions (often inaccurate and negatively-biased ways of thinking), and intense but unstable relationships with others. Negative self-perception and self-harm can also be common.

Avoidant personality disorder is a type of anxious personality disorder - indeed, it's sometimes referred to as such. People with this may be particularly sensitive to rejection and criticism and avoid events, relationships, and new activities due to anxiety surrounding it. They may feel worthless and expect others to believe so too.

It's important to know that people with personality disorders can live happily with fulfilling lives and relationships. Treatments often involve different types of therapy, with medication sometimes being offered for symptoms of depression or anxiety. For some, the diagnosis of "personality disorder" is controversial for reasons including that the term can feel stigmatising; what's vital is that people receive the support they seek.

The NHS website provides more information on personality disorders including BPD. Similarly, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness go into each of the various types and provides spaces for people to share their experiences; Mind also provides an information and legal advice line for mental health, including personality disorders.

Psychotic disorders Psychosis is a general symptom which involves a disconnect with external reality; for example, this can manifest as hallucinations (sensing things that others can't sense) or delusions (strong beliefs in things that aren't true, such as conspiracies against them).

Psychotic episodes can be prevalent in mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, or be triggered by events such as traumatic experiences.

Schizophrenia has three categories of symptoms: "positive" (e.g. hallucinations, delusions), "negative" (e.g. depression, low motivation), and "cognitive" (e.g. difficulties with attention and memory). People with schizophrenia may experience a mixture of these. Schizophrenia can therefore severely impact someone's functioning due to altered perceptions of reality, withdrawal, and cognitive struggles.

People with schizophrenia or who experience psychosis are not inherently violent or unreasonable, as is unfortunately portrayed in media such as horror films. It is also false that they have "split personalities". As with all mental health conditions, stereotypes which demonise someone struggling with their symptoms are harmful and prevent people from getting support they deserve. It is frequently possible to manage symptoms of schizophrenia; treatments often involve antipsychotic medication as well as therapy.

The NHS website provides more information on psychosis as a whole and on schizophrenia. Time and Space is a Glasgow-based service which has information and facilitates support groups for those who hear voices, those who self-harm, and their supporters. SANE is a mental health charity which has extensive resources on schizophrenia and psychosis; they also run an emotional support line and forum.

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Mental ill-health can affect students disproportionately because of varying backgrounds and experiences. Everyone has a mental health which is deserving of attention, but some student populations face additional struggles - we feel it's important to highlight some of these experiences and signpost to tailored support services where we can. Information on all resources are available online - mentioned websites are linked on our Linktree.

LGBTQ+ students can face additional struggles with wellbeing due to individual and systemic homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. At the same time, supportive communities and the freedom to express and celebrate one's identity can be beneficial to mental health.

It's vital to remember that being non-straight or non-cisgender does not cause mental ill-health. Rather, those in the LGBTQ+ community can face disproportionately higher rates of mental ill-health as a result of discrimination. This is why dedicated spaces and inclusive support are vital.

Glasgow offers several spaces for LGBTQ+ students to connect with others and find support. For example, GULGBTQ+ is Glasgow University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer Plus Students’ Association. The society is a social, campaigning, and welfare student organisation that supports LGBTQ+ students. For more information on their activities and how to join, turn to page 24 or head to linktr.ee/GULGBTQplus.

Other spaces across Glasgow include Category Is Books, Delmonica's Bar, annual events such as Free Pride and the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, and the upcoming queer sober space QuTo. In Glasgow, the Sandyford Clinic is a specialist sexual health service which provides inclusive health support and a gender identity service. The Small Trans Library is an independent lending library of trans-authored books for transgender people, running relevant events as well as a grocery fund for support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Nationally, Switchboard is a phone, webchat, and email helpline ran by LGBT+ volunteers. Other helplines include MindOut, which also offer peer support and advocacy, and MindLine Trans+, an evening telephone line for trans, non-binary, and genderfluic people. LGBT Youth Scotland is a charity specifically for 13-25 year olds; on their website, you can find an interactive map of local youth groups.

LGBTQ+ students 10

Students of colour and minority backgrounds Factors such as cultural and language barriers, inequalities, and acts of bigotry based on perceived race, ethnicity, or religion can all affect the wellbeing of students of colour, particularly those coming to study from a different country. Communities exist at Glasgow which aim to give those affected a space to be supported and connect with others.

The Glasgow University Students of Colour Network, or SoCNet, provide a safe space and services for people of colour around the University of Glasgow. They organise many events throughout the year, from educational to supportive, and can both refer students to mental health related services and lend a friendly ear. For more information on their activities and how to join, turn to page 25 or find them on social media. Many other societies exist which are themed around specific cultural backgrounds and regions; find them on the SRC's "Find a Club" webpage under "Languages and Culture".

There are many mental health services tailored to the needs and experiences of people of colour, only some of which are mentioned here.

Intercultural Youth Scotland offers 1-to-1 therapy/counselling sessions to Black and people of colour youth (12-24 years old) who are living in Scotland, delivered by professionals trained in anti-racism. Salehiya, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, offers support to BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) women, including 1-to-1 support for those aged 12-25. AMINA Muslim Women's Resource Centre empowers and supports Muslim and BME women through a national helpline and telephone befriending service, support programmes such as a digital inclusion programme, and campaigns and advocacy work; support is available in English, Urdu, Elephant in the Arabic, and Punjabi. The Muslim Youth Room is and always Helpline is available daily for young Muslim will be an inclusive space people to call, email, or webchat with a for students of all Helpline Officer. backgrounds and identities.

We are proud allies to marginalised students and our group is a safe space we aim to make our campaigns considerate of all experiences and perspectives.

"Despite spending most of my life in Scotland, as a Filipino I find connecting with other Filipinos and South-East Asians at Glasgow so heartwarming.

My culture remains so important to me."

- Monique

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Disabled and neurodivergent students Higher education can come with potential accessibility issues for many disabled and neurodivergent students. Moving to a new city, navigating campus, and attending classes with accessibility requirements (which aren't just limited to physical) can all provide their own stresses on top of those experienced by all students. While complete accessibility remains a work-in-progress in many places including the University of Glasgow, support services and community spaces exist which aim to improve student experience and support mental health.

Students with a professional diagnosis can register with the Disability Services at the University of Glasgow. This allows students with disabilities and ongoing accessibility requirements, including mental health conditions, to access support throughout their degree. Provisions are tailored to the individual and can include assistive technology, changed formats and deadlines for assessments, and referral to other welfare services across the university. For a link to further information, turn to page 30. The Student Representative Council also elects a dedicated Disability Equality Officer and Mental Health Equality Officer, who represent the needs of students and bring relevant initiatives to the SRC and beyond. The University of Glasgow Neurodiversity Network, founded this year, provides a space for and promotes the inclusion of neurodiversity in higher education; find links to resources and their Teams channel at linktr.ee/Neurodiv.

Beyond the university, The LUNA Project (Learning to Understand Needs and Abilities) is a youth-led charity based in Glasgow which aims to support, improve awareness of, and empower young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. As well as their extensive online presence which platforms many young people with various disabilities and conditions, they run local workshops and events and provide resources for peers and educators. LEAD Scotland offers a student helpline to get learning advice, be signposted to specialist support, and more. AchieveAbility is a charity which works with adults who are neurodivergent and dyslexic; their website offers resources for students, including handbooks for students with dyslexia.

Different backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances can impact students at all stages, from the application and admissions process to navigating university life. Some populations can face more disadvantages than others; these include students from a low-income background, estranged students, care-experienced students, student carers, and refugees and asylum seekers. Groups and services at the University of Glasgow aim to support and provide communities for those who find themselves disadvantaged by their background.

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At the university, Widening Participation programmes aim to improve access to higher education provide continued support throughout the degree. While at university, care-experienced students and estranged students can be offered additional bursaries, year-round accommodation, and further support on a case-by-case basis. Declared student carers can get academic arrangements and tailored support from their School/College, as well as consideration in financial support applications. Asylum seekers and refugees are also given tailored support throughout university and have access to the Humanitarian Scholarship and Refugee Scholarship as new applicants. Dedicated contacts are available to talk about individual circumstances and general questions; you can find more information at gla.ac.uk/study/wp.

The Financial Aid Team offers several funds to support registered students in financial hardship. UK students at undergraduate level or above and who are already taking out full student loans can apply for a Discretionary Fund to support living costs; they can also apply for a Childcare Fund in the same instance. These are non-repayable grants, and the amounts depend on individual needs; long-term awards are awarded monthly, while short-term awards are given in as a one-off payment. A new Hardship Fund which provides one-off grants will soon open for EU and International students.

Dedicated grants are also available for Nursing and Dentistry students.

Additional schemes exist to provide students with a UK-based rent guarantor, a long-term laptop loan, and a UofG Sport and club membership. For information on eligibility, applying, and other sources of funding, see the webpage at gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/registry/finance/funds.

Refuweegee is a Glasgow-based charity supporting those forcibly displaced, providing personal welcome packs and emergency support packs as well as running events to provide community. The 93% Club is a national movement which platforms students from state-educated and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; find out more about the Glasgow branch on page 24. Across Scotland, Carers Scotland offers a telephone helpline for information and guidance surrounding anything from carers' rights and financial support to available services.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds

The COVID-19 pandemic, for most, has had a drastic impact on day-to-day life. From illness to isolation, it's unsurprising that mental health became a huge topic of conversation during lockdown and the height of national restrictions. Everyone has been affected differently by the pandemic - in some cases people have just started washing their hands a little more than they used to, but for others it has left them unable to leave the house.

It’s important to remember that no matter how heavily you have been affected, your mental health matters, and if it’s bothering you - even just a little - it’s okay to reach out for help. The government website clearyourhead.scot is a good selfhelp tool for small things you can do at home to try and keep your mind calmer during the pandemic, and below we have shared some of our favourite self-care activities that can help you to stay occupied and hopefully distract from the stressors all around us.

Listen to, or play music

Set social media boundaries

Try some crafts

Do some exercise

Avoid stressful news articles

Reach out to friends and loved ones

We understand that these little tools are not enough to help everyone, and it can be frustrating to hear them all the time, but they are important preventative measures to keep the brain from spiralling. If you are someone who these do not work for and you are struggling, we encourage you to reach out to someone you are comfortable with or any of the support services listed on page 28/our Linktree.

My mental health is centred around germs, so the pandemic has been my worst nightmare.

Help for it is pretty much impossible to find, but I deal with it in the small things that distract me - bubble baths, keeping busy and crocheting too many blankets! - Lauren

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M healental t pandh in emic a

We've all had a different experience of COVID in the past year and a half - we hope these testimonies can highlight some of these experiences and how students have learned to cope.

I think outside the university’s support services, Breathing Space was a service that I used extensively when I just wanted someone to listen to.

It helped me cope with so much anxiety and panic during the lockdown phase. I also think services such as these are so safe in terms of feeling like you aren’t pressured into saying things.

You can freely speak your mind.

Sent by: Ishani

The COVID pandemic had a severe impact on the whole world, but this impact was truly felt by me when I travelled to Glasgow as a first year student.

Being an international student and going to a new city on its own is difficult but the pandemic definitely made it worse. From having to self-isolate alone to figuring out everyday things with the lockdown in place, my personal mental health was greatly affected.

No doubt, doing university during the pandemic is challenging and does affect your mental health; but a few things that helped me with my mental health were mindfulness practices. An everyday reminder to yourself about going back to normality, and remembering to take deep breaths and know you are not alone in this will help you.

Something that also helped me was knowing about the mental health services the university provides. I was very aware of Nightline and Elephant in the Room, and I knew I could contact them if I felt a strain on my mental health.

Just remember, you are definitely not alone! We are all in this together.

Sent by: Melody

From 2020 our everyday life has radically changed. From self-isolations and following social distancing and the unavoidable confusion regarding the pandemic has caused our daily lives and is perhaps the most challenging of all.

As with all changes in life like lockdowns which are stressful, self-care often gets sacrificed, but there are certain steps you can follow to avoid it - definitely what I did to look after my well-being.

Creating a daily schedule helped me distinguish between work and daily home chores and kept me self-motivated, productive, and prepared, as an uncleared structure is easy to make you unmotivated. During this lockdown, we had a lot of extra time on our hands. I say embrace that time and indulge yourself in preparing nutritious breakfast, enrolling yourself in free online courses, catching up on favourite movies and books as these offer some light relief, and it worked for me. Being stuck indoors, it’s easy to drift into a state of lethargy and idleness. Exercising from home has kept me active, and there are all kinds of videos online to suit your mood and fitness level.

Eating habits are also important. Planning and cooking meals at specific times help maintain a daily schedule whereas guaranteeing you’re eating healthily. Lastly, supporting your mental health is crucial during a lockdown. Meditation and grounding techniques can be helpful. The thing which I did during these lockdowns is keep a diary and write down my thoughts and feelings as it helps me identify any unhelpful thoughts and feelings and to understand what triggers them. I, who already struggles with anxiety day-to-day, set a limit on how much time I spend on social media and maintain as much connection with family and friends as possible. Sharing your experiences will help you make sense of what you’re going through and ensure you feel supported and connected.

Sent by: Triptajit

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The Peer Support Programme

Peer Wellbeing Support, based at the Counselling & Psychological Services (see page 30), trains student volunteers to provide personal, emotional, and academic support to fellow students in their degree area. Sessions can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Peer Supporters are trained in mild mental health issues and common student issues including anxiety, stress, isolation and loneliness, making friends, dealing with change, relationship problems, homesickness, financial stress, and academic concerns. These sessions aren't intended to be counselling, but can provide students with a friendly listening ear. For more information, see the uni webpage at gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/ counselling/peersupport.

Hello from all the Peer Supporters at the Vet School! While we hope to resume our Tea & Biscuit events, as well as some in-person wellness events, as soon as possible, we are holding drop-in sessions via Microsoft Teams once a week throughout the summer to ensure everyone who needs one can access a listening ear!

School of Veterinary Sciences

Medical School Medical School can be a challenging and isolating environment, but seeking help is not a sign of weakness! Peer Support allows you to confidentially speak to other students who may have had similar experiences, both on and off the wards, and be directed to resources which can help you during your time at Uni. - Georgia

Coming from a range of courses within the College of Science and Engineering, each supporter has had several training hours and is equipped to handle student issues - no problem is too small. We are also active on social media throughout the academic year, creating useful infographics to help students cope better with university life and their mental health. - Paul

College of Science and Engineering

College of Arts Our Peer Wellbeing Support service has a diverse range of subjects represented by the many perspectives our supporters and students bring to it. We aim to be a group of supporters representing students from all year groups, as well as postgraduate and mature students, to make every student feel welcomed and related to.

Students can meet with Peer Supporters during term time. To book a session with a Peer Supporter, you can contact them directly or book through the IT Services at frontdoor.spa.gla.ac.uk/login/?msg=Not. Click “Appointment Booking Services” and select the correct peer support programme in “Choose Meeting Type”, then choose a day and time that suits you.

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- Luisa

Peer Support teams also exist for the Adam Smith Business School, School of Life Sciences, and the School of Education - learn more on the Peer Support webpage!

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Student-led support Glasgow University Positive Minds and Glasgow Student Nightline are two groups which train student volunteers to provide informal wellbeing support. Hear from both of them below!

Hello readers! We are Positive Minds; we’re a collection of people passionate about promoting and assisting positive mental health, and operate a student led peer support system. Our society has three parts: we train our own peer supporters, we provide informal support for students who may be struggling with their mental health or with university generally, and we run social events.

We were set up five years ago to help aid more formal existing services at uni that may not be appropriate to everyone’s needs, or may have wait times.

When someone is in need of support, they can reach out through our Facebook page or email address, and are then connected with a supporter of their choice, ready to start their confidential supporter/supportee relationship. Committee members maintain communication with both parties with regular check-ins to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. The supporter meets for training every week, and has the opportunity to chat and take advice with no information given about the identity of their supportee - from the other volunteers.

Last year was challenging for the logistics of the society, but we are proud of how we continued to deliver training and support to lots of lovely people, via Zoom and socially distanced walks.

It was a great comfort to be able to maintain the sense of community between our supporters, who met every week on Zoom, and supportees in need of comfort in face of the unique challenges the year threw at us. This year we are looking to run safe events and collaborate with other societies to create social opportunities to meet people who share a passion for positive mental health. We’d love to get to know you this year, in any capacity, and if you have any questions do get in touch.

gupositiveminds@gmail.com

@gupositiveminds

Glasgow Student Nightline is a listening and information service run by students, for students. Through phone calls, instant messaging service, and email, our volunteers provide a free space to speak about anything that may be on your mind. On weekdays during the academic year, anyone is able to get in touch to talk things through. Our principles are confidentiality, anonymity, non-directive, non-advisory, and non-judgemental.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Nightline managed to adapt to an online working format. We unfortunately had to close our phonelines but successfully stayed open through our instant messaging service and were available to chat every weekday during term time from 7pm-12am.

Glasgow Student Nightline is conscientious about supporting the mental health of our service users as well as that of our volunteers. We are a listening ear for users that need someone to speak to under an anonymous setting and we can also assist in demonstrating what other mental health support options are available to them. With regards to our volunteers, thorough training and support is provided as well as on-shift partners, post-shift welfare follow ups, and regular contact amongst volunteers with the optional external mental health support links.

Aoife Aitken Director

Ultimately, Nightline provides a safe place for service users and volunteers to discuss anything.

No problem is too big or too small and we are not here to give advice. We listen, not lecture.

nightlinecoordinator@src.gla.ac.uk

@glasgowstudentnightline

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Student bodies

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- Eva Simmons

Vice President Student Support, Eva: vp-support@src.gla.ac.uk Mental Health Equality Officer, Abigail: mhe-officer@src.gla.ac.uk

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The GU gan is "We Have More Fun" and we want students, noU’smaslo s to be true for all tte how they’re feeling. While we may notthi think of when thinkirng be who you typically ab ou mental health support, we really wa happy, and fun space for stut de nt to be a safe, nts to spend their time in.

All of us at GUU really do understand prioritise our member’s mental health, whether thathe be by making sure the Unionand is alw space for metmb a free and accessible safe ers to be having several safety ays pro safe, or our brilliant stewa,rds toc in place to keep members duty board members ols nights (when they return)! Weand wh o k after you on Hive have our scheme with Glasgoloo as well as the nationally-recognis w tax is to get you home safely ed Ask all members peace of mind as we know for Angela protocol in place to keep people safe and give pandemic! All these policies and protoc large social settings can be sca especially after the ols linking you to download the University Saf are clearly displayed aroundry, building with QR codes eZone app to help us help youthe .

Our Board Management are all involv ed in the running of the Union because of love the Unof ion and want to keep it as a saf e and special place. So, if anyone in the how much they struggling wit h a me ntal health concern, jus look for one of them in their Board cloUnthiion is ever them and they’ll be hap to help. Whether tit’s to identify mental health services,py a chat or to be directed to more trang y’ll do their best. Thefornam dit al and Duty Board for clubthe es of ou r Bo nights will be shared on Facebook so youard members are on ourion we bsite know who to ask for.

The last wee while has been a strange and affected the mental health of many peop challenging period for all of us and we know it year to be a space that could be open forle in many ways. We have tried our best over thehas where people can meet others after wh people to have a sense of normality, and to be a past wonderful staff have worked so hard toat has been an isolating period. Additionally, all ouspace keep the building super clean and COVID r try and easy any anxieties people may hav e about the return to normality with CO-compliant to VID. We’re so excited to be welcoming you ba to reach out to us about any concerns orck into our iconic building and please don’t hesita te worries!

Contact the GUU guu.co.uk/conta at ct-us

- The GUU Board of Management

#wehave morefun

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It is ev cent years that poor m populaidtioennst inis re the rise. Growing acadental health within student financial challeon ng es essures coup amalgamation with thaned daunting employemmicenprt pr pandemic, has taken itsgrowing uncertainty of theospects, in led with toll on student wellbei current COVID-19 ng and mental health at However, there is a clea university. exercise. Here at GUSA rly established link betwee n (G improved mental health Presid University Sport Ass ssica Woodcoclak,sgwow ociation), spearheade and activityenist aJe“w e ar e as co on m r drug” and a pre-empt mitted as ev our health. Sport cande ive means of saerfetogurearcognising thatd by ph ys and prevent onsetbedeused to improve studen di ng st pression and anxiety. ts’ mood and self-esteem udents' menictaall and SSS found that prom A jo duce stress, port from ukactive,, re improv ents' personotalinwg elsplboreitsngparticipatioinnt re BU CS, Precor an d academesicstatud gy m memberships on tainment and employab , mental wellbeing, so campus ci al ility. inclusion and pe rceived GUSA is committed to and have several initiatworking towards creating a Suicide Prevention Dayives which aim to look afte healthier and happier cam orld Mental Health Dayr our members. In addition pus for all which ar all recognised, wWith World annual Exeam in G SA across our so,ciand National Stress Awarto en al as boxing worDkoe-utsts,reHssIITmonths. ExUam m ed ia pl at fo D erm ss is a calendar of phys s, we alsoeshos ldDay the UofG Active Lifestyl sessions and medstitaretio al activities such and winter exam diets. e team during the summnerand flow classes ranicby GUSA and

GUSA Welfare One of GUSA’s greatest commitments to improving students' mental health will be the launch of our Peer Wellbeing Support Convenor, Milly: Programme (PWS). PWS is a confidential, student-led listening gusa-welfare service allowing students to talk and share their concerns and receive support from a trained Peer Wellbeing Supporter. Within @glasgow.ac.uk GUSA we have eight ‘supporters’ which have undergone 27 hours of specialised, evidence-based training by qualified counsellors and psychotherapists to equip them for the role. Peer Wellbeing Support is not the same as counselling. A student may use the service if they were feeling more worried, anxious, stressed, or sad than normal. Our PWS will launch in September 2021 and allow GUSA members to book slots virtually with pairs of supporters, and once on campus sessions are launched, drop-in sessions will be available.

Finally, to showcase two specific clubs' commitments, you may have noticed our #WelfareWednesday campaign across our social media platforms where we acknowledge clubs and individuals who go above and beyond to improve mental health and welfare provisions. To spotlight my own club, the Glasgow University Women’s Hockey Club (GUWHC) this year have set up a ‘Sister Scheme’, a GUWHC Welfare Team, and published resources for looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and alongside the Men’s Club raised over £6000 for CALM and Glasgow SE Foodbank. In addition to the GUHC, the Glasgow University Weightlifting Club have created content to highlight specific national events such as Mental Health Awareness Week, created an internal buddy scheme, and have consistently reached out to club members and made them aware of how they can access their club welfare officers for further mental health support and signposting. (Check out @gusa_gram for more club’s work!)

I hope from reading this article you have gained a brief insight into GUSA’s commitment to developing and improving our mental health provisions within sport. If you would like to discuss anything that has been outlined in this article or find out more about the GUSA Welfare Committee's remit for mental health this academic year, do not hesitate to get in touch - you can drop me an email any time.

- Milly Leggett

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our own notes at the qmu!

) is one ofw.theIt ret Union (QrsiMU Queen Marga sgo ty ive of Gla ions at the Un four studentofun luding es itte mm co t en fer eral dif Events, Social, Puinc ations, comprisesns ansev blic s, d Charitiend Welfare Campaig the ne d an h alt ntal He fou ed Me Tech, and e, a.k.a.wly . om Ro the Elephant in committe mental sure that the iatives to en init t en fer dif l era sev ile ken Wh rta ty. de ori un pri s a ha s QMU and overall welfare of its members remain taken e health t in the Room is the mental health campaign, well.haThveese lud Elephan er measures with regards to wellbeing as we , the Coinc om nd oth licy lerance po itment to the Zero To limited to ct but are notrua d our comm an , oth Bo du Pro l and Menstand diversity. inclusivity Zero uphold a ain ablish and ac d hard to est all ag > We havepowolicrke n tio ict str e tak d an to avoid d harassment in the Union st to Tolerance ualyass ault an l safe and protected, and to reports of tsex ers fee ever happening again. We will me r ou all tha e ensur similar mishamb m ling nd Zero tion of ourgo keep any to campaign for a cafro wide adopnve mp n tio rsa continue policy, and keep a cross-usmpus co ty itself to ing Toleranceother student bodies and ca Universi t experiences both with w we can collectively learnthe m differen fro d all discuss hotogether to make Glasgow safe, ensuring any an and work nduct are reported, communicated and handled ual miscoions. cases of sex s all Un ros ac rly pe rual pro s a condomananddcomendnst run e itte mm co s tie ari s.

Ch om d an ns aig > The Campoth where they distribute free period products can e yon an d an cts bo du ct du pro se pro the use to w ho t ou ab le ilab ava g inin .

There is tra cts that they need swing by any time to collect any proadumore inclusive and diverse University moting ablished the Cultural Sub-committee, mmitted to ypro > We are wco, wh have est Black History Month and beyond. we wh ich is of Glasgo severa ging from ran nts eve l s which run iatives out our init out more ab d fin to t ou s ge pa dia t in me ge ial to soc r ate sit ou k Chec to get more involved with them, and don't he and how h any of our board and executive members! touch wit

ement - The QMU Board of Manag

Contact the QMU at qmunion.org.uk/ contact

23

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the 93% club

@93clubglasgow

The 93% Club is a national social mobility initiative dedicated to improving the university experience of students who attended a state school and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Students from these backgrounds are often not provided with the same social, human or cultural capital as their economically privileged peers, and this difference intensifies in a university setting. There are 45 clubs around the UK, and our society represents state-educated students at the University of Glasgow. Our club aims to ‘level the playing field’ and provide students with opportunities they may not have had before.

Secretarnyn: Meghaon Paters

As a society formed during the pandemic, all activity has taken place online. We have established an online presence with Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and in the next year, as we aim at growing as a society, we are hoping to host more online and in-person events to get a chance to meet our members - face to face!

Our society aims to support the mental health of our members by forming a community of students with similar backgrounds and experiences. It is common for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience imposter syndrome or feel isolated at university, so we aim to provide a space to show they are not alone! We also have a Welfare Officer dedicated to promoting the importance of looking after the wellbeing of our members. They will also be a point of contact for members.

93clubglasgow@gmail.com

gulgbtq+ GULGBTQ+ is Glasgow University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer Plus Students’ Association. We are a social, campaigning, and welfare student organisation that supports LGBTQ+ students. During the semester we have events every week: our main event on Wednesday nights at 7pm and bi-weekly identity coffees throughout the week at 5pm. Our main events range from social events to information sessions. We also celebrate and/or commemorate key LGBTQ+ community dates throughout the year.

VP Secretarya:d Aster Re

We are a society dedicated to the welfare of LGBTQ+ students and to LGBTQ+ issues, and as such mental health is one of our priorities. We have a dedicated Welfare Officer position, who supports our identity officers in the welfare of society members. Our Discord server has also been a key hub for informal mental health support during the pandemic in keeping members of the community connected and able to access community support and advice.

@gulgbtqplus

From the beginning of the pandemic we moved all our events online. During the semester, we hosted all our usual events online as well as creating a society Discord server. We hope to continue our online events with a mix of in-person events (if possible) in order to maintain accessibility.

vpsecretary@gulgbtq.co.uk

food and body positivity (FAB) society

@gufoodandbody

Glasgow University Food And Body Society (GUFAB) aims to engage with and explore our individual relationships between food and our bodies as well as discuss and challenge the systemic reasons why these relationships may be difficult. GUFAB doesn’t peddle one idea of health, diet, or ideal body - just hopes to open up a dialogue around how these things can be problematic.

When everyday life is not disturbed by COVID, GUFAB hosts weekly events. These are usually held just after university finishes, around 5:30pm, and range from craft workshops to discussion sessions and presentations. In 2020/21, our most regular output was the GUFAB newsletter which was released fortnightly. We’re going to be continuing the newsletter next year (though perhaps in a slightly different form). You can find past newsletter issues and subscribe at gufabposisoc.substack.com.

Getting involved with GUFAB means not only thinking about broader structural things, such as the way bodies are politicised, which affect how people feel about themselves, but also offers the opportunity for members to think about their own relationship with food and their bodies. We believe there should be more openness and dialogue around this topic, and so find these conversations extremely helpful.

gufabpositivitysoc@gmail.com

Co-founder + Copresident: Thalia

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self-care society

We flourished during the pandemic; we only formed last year to spur self-care and help our members cope. By growing on Instagram, we hosted our events well on Zoom. In the coming year, we hope that we can adapt our events and physically meet more members. We would love to host in-person events like yoga and painting sessions.

The Self-Care Society inspires our members to mindfully consider their minds and bodies.

Members are reassured of their responsibility to care about themselves.

Fundamentally, we want them to care about all aspects of themselves including their mental health. We make posts and host events that bring awareness to activities that aid healthy minds. Our society always empowers our members by providing them options to support mental and physical health.

@guselfcaresociety

Vice President: Romy Edgar

We are all about self-care! We encourage our members to consciously care for their minds, bodies, and souls. Our regular events promote different forms of self-care. In the past, we have hosted reflective tarot readings, relaxing Bob Ross painting sessions, and written encouraging letters to our future selves. We often did fun collaborations with other wonderful societies too. Our events took place fortnightly on ‘Self-Care Sunday’.

guselfcaresociety@gmail.com

@glasgowstudentchoice

glasgow students for choice (gsc) GSC is a pro-choice society advocating and raising awareness for matters of reproductive justice, publishing educational content and events to keep the student body-informed and create a welcoming and inclusive society for students to make life-long friends through. We host at least two events a month. While previous talks include ‘Why Women Are Always Wrong: Controlling Women's Reproductive Lives’ & ‘GSC x Dr. Pam Lowe: The UK Anti-Abortion Movement’, we also organised fundraisers and a book club.

This year new additions include fundraising club nights, cross-uni quizzes, bake sales, picnics, & BBQs! Due to COVID-19, our events had to move online to ensure safety, however we still tried to have one event a week.

By working collectively to destigmatize and empower, we fight to make environments safer and accessible (e.g. at university via liaisons to amend good cause, in healthcare services via work with Back Off for Buffer Zone implementation). We hope to do as much as we can to create a world which is easier for people to navigate and where stigma is smashed!

We aim to provide a safe space where everyone can discuss sexual and reproductive rights, while also challenging behaviour that encourages the stigmatisation of sexual and reproductive healthcare. Additionally, we do our best to promote self-care, which includes ways to value yourself, avoid self-criticism, and set realistic goals, especially when it comes to relationships and sexual health. Thus, we take pride in providing an open and inclusive environment where people can communicate in a judgement-free zone.

Welfare O ff Ayesha icer:

At GSC, we are always ready to listen and will signpost you to people who’ll be able to provide you with the help you need. Feel free to get in contact with us!

glasgowstudentchoice@gmail.com

students of colour network (socnet) GUSoCNet provides services all year round for people of colour (PoC) at the University of Glasgow - we are here to make your time as a student here as memorable and as comfortable as possible! We have many events lined up for Black History Month in the coming year kindly refer to our social media to find out about the dates and how to access them.

Throughout the year, we organise several workshops, ventshops, and panel discussions regarding several PoC issues.

We can signpost students of colour to specific mental health related services if needed and can also be there for conversations if they need anyone to talk to.

gusocnet@gmail.com

@gusocnet

We have been able to effectively change our approach of organising events by doing them online over Zoom for the past year. We are planning a mix of events this year, with some of them being online and some being in person.

glasgow student dance company

Glasgow Student Dance Company is the largest student-led dance society at Glasgow University which offers 26 dance classes per week of a large range of dance styles.

These classes are for members, however anyone can attend our weekly 1 hour workshops, which range from choreography to technique in varying styles.

Throughout the pandemic, we have shifted the teaching of classes and workshops majorly online through Teams, while carrying outdoor classes when restrictions permitted. We were able to carry out our show filming outdoors at the Garscube Sports Complex, adhering to COVID-19 regulations. This year we hope to do our classes and show in person!

@gsdcpics

Welfare andnor: ve Charities Conurray Kelsey M

GSDC aims to support the mental health of our members in many ways. Firstly, our members agree that the classes/workshops/socials act as an outlet and distraction away from university stress, while encouraging socialising with other students. Secondly, this year we will launch a mental health campaign: ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies’. This encourages discussing mental health within dance - both the benefits and issues which contribute to mental health struggles within the dance community. It will also involve a range of wellbeing workshops throughout the year, which you can get involved in and keep posted on our Facebook (Glasgow Student Dance Company) and Instagram!

gsdccommittee@gmail.com

successful women at glasgow (swag)

@swaglasgow

Successful Women at Glasgow (SWAG) is a society which aims to celebrate, inspire and facilitate all successful women, in both their personal and professional lives. We hope to support and empower staff and students of all gender identities by hosting speaker events which showcase women in a diverse variety of fields, organising initiatives relating to student welfare, and fundraising for our partnered charity – Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis.

SWAG hosts bimonthly speaker events from successful individuals in their area of expertise.

During the pandemic, we moved our speaker & fundraising events online via zoom and live streams, which were a great success! For the upcoming year, we hope to continue hosting our fantastic speakers and raising funds for Glasgow and Clyde Rape crisis!

The goal of SWAG as a society is to facilitate a sense of community based on inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. SWAG aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of all members and all UofG students. Through online events such as the Body Liberation Workshop, campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, and social media highlights like Successful Sundays or Sport Saturdays, SWAG promotes connectedness, celebrating, and uplifting the women of Glasgow.

Presid Abbie Aent ziz

s.w.a.glasgow@gmail.com

student theatre at glasgow (stag) This past year, theatre looked very different, but we managed to produce all our shows digitally and host weekly socials and workshops online. This year, we hope to return to making in-person shows and events but will be keeping some of our events online for those who aren’t as comfortable returning to in-person life just yet. The information required to get involved will be available on our Facebook page.

nd Community a er: ic ff O Welfare Nadezhda Raduncheva

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STAG aims to provide opportunities to escape the stresses of university and life, create art, and enjoy yourself. Through the society, we have a dedicated Community and Welfare Officer who is there to help anyone in need, and a mental health and well-being pack on our website with a range of credible resources for anyone seeking support. We believe putting yourself first is most important and looking after your mental health should always be a priority.

community@studenttheatreatglasgow.com

studenttheatreatglasgow.com

Student Theatre at Glasgow (STAG) is the oldest theatre society at the University of Glasgow. We produce 26 shows a year, including two festivals, giving students opportunities to not only act in our shows, but write, direct, produce, stage manage, and so much more! Besides shows, we also have regular workshops and socials.

art appreciation society

We are the Art Appreciation Society, and our mission is to provide an environment for art lovers to share their passion with like-minded people. We usually meet 1-2 times a month at around 7/8pm. This time is for everyone to be creative together, share art historical knowledge, and socialise. Once a year we organise an exhibition where everyone can contribute their artwork. Keeping COVID restrictions in mind, we would also host museum crawls and visits.

@gu_art_as

We conducted all of our meetings and events on Zoom last year.

We attempted to maintain a connection with our members through social and de-stress events. Plans for next year will include more collaborations and museum crawls.

GUAAS is a very welcoming and positive social space where creativity is encouraged and explored through numerous events. During the pandemic, everyone turned to their creative and artistic side to find comfort in the anxiety-filled routine we all experienced. Our society focuses on art and culture. We believe that it can help anyone escape stressful times and offer a positive break from university responsibilities. We aspire to enable our members to appreciate all the generous benefits of art to an individual, both mentally and intellectually.

gu.art.as@gmail.com

Secretary: Chrisilia Philia stides

baking society

Hi! We are the Glasgow University Baking Society, and as you can probably guess from the name – we love to bake! Prior to the pandemic, we met roughly once a month where everyone brought along a bake based on that meeting’s theme and we all shared recipes, stories, tips, and most importantly our bakes. We also held other baking-related socials like screenings of the Great British Bake-Off final and afternoon teas.

Secretary: och ull Rebecca T

We always welcome new members and the society is a great way to meet new, friendly faces with a common interest in a low-pressure environment. The activities we run can be a good opportunity to de-stress, have fun, and take a break from any worries or difficulties. We’re also very flexible; you can be a part of the community without the need for lots of long screen time and easily vary how much you want to participate to accommodate for mental health or a busy schedule for whatever is comfortable.

@gu_bakingsociety

Over the past year, things have been a bit different since we’ve moved all our activities online. We’ve run fortnightly baking challenges (with prizes!), tutorials for less experienced bakers, and we have a Facebook group where everyone can share bakes, tips, and recipes just like in person. There were also some virtual socials like coffee chats and cookie decoration. We plan to continue online and hopefully move to a mix of virtual and in-person events when we can.

gubakingsociety@gmail.com

stitch society

@gustitchsoc

Hi there, we are the Stitch Society at Glasgow University. Our club is a great place for all forms of needlework such as sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery. Basically, anything with a stitch! We offer events every Thursday at 5pm where you can hone your skills or try a new craft, open to all skill levels from beginner to expert. If you've never tried before, never fear, we have plenty of talented members at these events to help you learn the stitches.

While lockdown and distanced learning have been a struggle, we've found our Zoom sessions to work really well. It's been a much-needed chance to chat with fellow students. Additionally, we can drop off materials to your home so everyone can join in an event no matter what you have at home. We're hoping to develop more guides and tutorials this coming year to make learning crafts online easier and hopefully meet you all in person if we can.

Crafts such as sewing and crochet are brilliant activities to maintain your mental health, as Treasurer: working with your hands can feel meditative for many, while also offering a creative outlet.

M ar issa Galbraith The sense of satisfaction from working and creating something new can be a real boost to your mood and self-esteem. We've also found our sessions to be a wonderful way to make sure you can take time for yourself, stepping away from work or stress to relax and rejuvenate. It's a great place to meet new people with similar interests, and that’s especially important in these isolating times.

gustitchsociety@gmail.com

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External support Below we have listed just a few helplines and welfare-oriented charities and organisations which students at Glasgow may find useful. All information is available online; for some, QR codes are available to take you directly to the webpage on accessing support. All links and more can be found on our Linktree, which is constantly being updated - see the inside cover of this zine for the link/QR code.

Helplines for immediate support (free + confidential) Samaritans

Shout

> Crisis helpline (phoneline, email, and written letter) > Call 116 123 to reach the free 24/7 phoneline

> Crisis helpline (textline) > Text SHOUT to 85258 to chat to a supporter; available 24/7

Papyrus Hopeline

Breathing Space

> Suicide helpline (phoneline, textline, webchat, and email) > Call 0800 068 4141 to reach the confidential suicide prevention helpline for under 25s; open 9am to midnight every day

> Emotional helpline (phoneline) > Call 0800 83 85 87 to reach a Breathing Space advisor and chat about feeling low, anxious, or depressed; open 24hrs on weekends and 6pm-2am on weekdays

University of Glasgow Crisis Team > Crisis help within the University of Glasgow > Call 0141 330 4444 (Gilmorehill "Main" Campus) or 0141 330 2222 (Garscube Campus) to reach the crisis team through security who will help you handle a crisis > The link provides a list of information on how to handle specific crisis situations

Mental health charities

Abuse helplines

Mental Health Foundation

Glasgow Clyde Rape Crisis

Mind

> Support via various platforms surrounding both dealing with rape/assault and reporting it

Glasgow Wellbeing

Glasgow Women's Aid

> Self-help resources on specific wellbeing topics; free virtual courses for those registered with a Glasgow Southside GP

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) > Information helpline; call 0344 800 0550 or email info@samh.org.uk

Clear Your Head > Scottish government mental health advice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

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> Support women and young people experiencing physical, emotional, and legal domestic abuse; call 0141 553 2022

Men's Advice Line UK > Supporting men experiencing domestic abuse; call 0808 801 0327 for free Monday-Friday 9am8pm, or contact via webchat/email

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline > Supporting anyone experiencing domestic abuse; call 0800 027 1234 24/7 or contact via webchat

Culture-specific charities Intercultural Youth Scotland Mental Health Service > Free counselling for 12-24 year old BPOC (Black and people of colour) residents in Scotland

Amina Muslim Women's Resource Centre > Supporting Muslim and BME (Black and minority ethnic) women via various chat groups, helplines, and events

Salehiya > Supporting BME, asylum-seeking, and refugee women and girls through counselling and chat spaces

Kanlungan UK > Supporting Filipino migrants with mental health, employment advice, and immigration concerns

Bereavement charities

Condition-specific charities

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Anxiety UK > Support for anxiety, stress, and anxiety-based depressions via helpines, webchat, and paid-for therapy blocks

Beat Eating Disorders > Supporting those affected in any way by eating disorders; call 0808 801 0811 (studentline) 9am-8pm weekdays and 4pm-8pm weekends

Time and Space Scotland > Supporting those who hear voices and those who self-harm and their supporters

Other Switchboard

Sudden

> Support for those in the LGBTQ+ community via helplines, webchat, or email; call 0300 330 0630 10am-10pm every day

> Supporting those suddenly affected by bereavement; call 0800 2600 400 10am-4pm weekdays

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

At A Loss > Supporting bereaved people with online self-help resources, or webchat with a bereavement counsellor 9am-9pm weekdays

The QMU Campaigns and Charities Committee spends its time campaigning and raising awareness for important causes and fundraising for a variety of charities that are brought forward and curated by our members.

> Support helpline for non-emergent advice with low moods and suicidal thoughts, particularly in men; call 0800 58 58 58 5am-12am every day

Umbrella Lane > Supporting sex workers across Scotland with various resources including peer support, hardship funds, and sexual health checkups; call 07377 518 263 or email hello@umbrellalane.org

Spotlight by C&C Convenor, Rebecca

The committee meet every Monday at 5pm in the QMU’s Board Room but also on Zoom if this is not possible! Throughout the academic year, our committee runs a selection of fundraising events including bake sales, screenings, raffles, and challenges to raise money for our chosen charities. Our annual Red Ribbon Ball in aid of Terrence Higgins Trust is always a fantastic night of fun and cabaret and it is returning this year for its 10th anniversary! To see more of what we do, you can find us at QMU Campaigns and Charities Committee on Facebook, or on our Instagram at @qmucampaignsandcharities!

Mental health is extremely important to us, with the Elephant in the Room campaign originating from our committee! Two of our chosen charities last year were mental health related - Chris’s House and Papyrus UK. C&C is welcoming and supportive with our committee members' health and happiness always coming first. Throughout COVID we held a series of online socials so that committee members could interact with each other and we ran a Quaran-TLC fundraiser in March in which our committee members pursued an aim or goal that promoted the importance of self-care and kindness.

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support services at the university of glasgow

Counselling & Psychological Service (CaPS) CaPS offers free mental health services and resources to support wellbeing throughout university. CaPS is made up of professionally-trained counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists, psychologists, and mental health advisors. On their website are self-help resources for a variety of situations and experiences.

Counselling

Peer Support

Students can book a block of counselling sessions (around 5-10 sessions) which are intended to be short-term regular supportive conversations with a professional. The type of counselling/therapy you receive will be explained and decided in your initial appointment.

Peer Support is a programme where student volunteers within Schools/Colleges are trained by CaPS professionals to provide personal, emotional, and academic support.

Find out more about the programme on page 16.

Register online at gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/ counselling.

Togetherall

Complete the form which will be sent to your student email.

Book your initial assessment to speak with a counsellor about your needs.

Togetherall is an online anonymous community forum, monitored by trained professionals, where people can explore and discuss their feelings with each other. It also offers a wide range of self-help resources.

You can register for free on togetherall.com.

After attending your initial assessment, you'll be offered a block of sessions; you may be put on a waiting list for this.

Disability Services The Disability Services make provisions and provide support to students with disabilities, which includes ongoing mental health difficulties. Support is tailored to students' needs and can include academic flexibility, assistive technology, and anything you feel you need as a result of your mental health difficulties. To register with the Disability Services, you will need professional evidence of disability from a medical practitioner or psychologist. Your needs will then be assessed in a meeting.

Find out more at gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/disability/support.

I have extensively used the University’s Disability Services post my diagnosis. Their remote therapy worked well for me. There were minor inconveniences of not being able to understand the body language and the extensive wait lines of getting in through, but once my assessment was done, I relied so heavily on their weekly therapy sessions. They do truly have a space where I can momentarily feel safe and heard and I would no doubt agree that your therapist can tailor it to your needs. If there have been any incidents where I have felt at risk, I was immediately connected to a healthcare professional for further help. Often times, off therapy, the fifty minute therapy sessions helped too.

- Ishani

Credits Content research and writing

Layout and design

Lauren Binning Monique Raranga Sanskar Ranglani

Fatima Saeed Lauren Binning Monique Raranga

Student group contributions

Editing and copy-editing

93% Club Glasgow Glasgow Students for Choice Glasgow University Art Appreciation Society Glasgow University Baking Society Glasgow University Dance Company Glasgow University Food and Body Positivity Society GULGBTQ+ Glasgow University Nightline Glasgow University Positive Minds Glasgow University Self Care Society Glasgow University Sports Association Glasgow University Stitch Society Glasgow University Students of Colour Network Glasgow University Union Peer Support (College of Arts, Medical School, School of Science and Engineering, School of Veterinary Sciences) Student Theatre at Glasgow Student Representative Council Successful Women at Glasgow

Lauren Binning Maria Kostoulia Monique Raranga Student testimony contributions Ishani Mukherjee Katherine Martin Lauren Binning Melody Sequeira Monique Raranga Triptajit Chakraborty Anonymous contributors Charity contributions AMINA Muslim Women's Resource

Resources adapted from official sites of: 93% Club AchieveAbility Anxiety UK Beat Eating Disorders Bipolar UK Carers Scotland Clear Your Head NHS Intercultural Youth Scotland LEAD Scotland LGBT Youth Scotland Mind MindLine Trans+ MindOut Mulsim Youth Helpline No Panic

Refuweegee Rethink Mental Illness Salehiya Samaritans Sandyford Clinic SANE Small Trans Library Students Against Depression SupportED Scotland Switchboard LGBT The LUNA Project Time and Space University of Glasgow (Counselling and Psychological Services, Disability Services, Financial Aid, Neurodiversity Network, Widening Participation)

With thanks to the Queen Margaret Union and the team at Elephant in the Room.

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Your m e health ntal always matter s.

Scan me to find all the resources listed in this zine!