“In the meantime, you may find our self-help resources useful,” claims the GCU Counselling Service. In the meantime, when you’re suffering alone, placed on a waiting list for “8 to 10 weeks”, you may find their self-help resources comprised of websites, apps, and videos helpful.
The BBC reported last year that from 2012 to 2017, the number of students across the UK seeking counselling rose by over half. GCU Counselling Service state that most common issues are “low mood, anxiety, and relationship problems” and that “many students benefit from exploring their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in the confidential counselling setting.”
Today students are faced with much higher debts than previous generations. With looming career insecurities, students are under a lot more pressure to perform well in exams and assessments due to fiercer competition. Social media is another major contributor to poor mental health amongst university students, evoking feelings of depression, anxiety and/or loneliness. These are real problems that don’t have the time to be put on hold, especially during term time when anxieties are at an all-time high. There is also the worry of students turning to unhealthy coping methods. In turn, their academic results may suffer, which can lead to students dropping out of university.
Students who have personal experience regarding the GCU Counselling Service say it has been helpful. However, due to high demand, students may have to wait up to 4 weeks for an intake appointment alone. In a time where more students are seeking counselling than ever, this is unacceptable.
The university offers 6 free therapy sessions, which is a great start but not ideal due to long waitlists. Not all students can afford a private therapist and with waiting times for NHS-funded therapy leaving people on waiting lists that reach up to six months, a lot of students will hope to turn to their university for help.
GCU Counselling Service says they have doubled the number of mental health advisors since January and are hoping to receive more support from the Scottish government, who have recently pledged funding for more mental health advisors across Scottish universities. According to the service, they also provide long-term and one-on-one mental health support for students throughout their time at the university.
Therapy is so important as a primary source of coping and help. Those who do not want to or do not respond well to medication often rely solely on therapy to get better. Therefore it is important to provide GCU students with crucial mental health support as soon as possible.
Some view therapy as something for people under extreme distress. However, it is also for those who just need a pickup in life. Therapists, counsellors, and advisors will cater to your needs, however big or small. Sitting down and talking to a professional can have a really big impact on your mental wellbeing, which is why more needs to be done to provide adequate mental health care at the university.
Website links and phone numbers can be helpful, but one-on-one sessions are the best way to ensure students get the personalised support they desperately need. Mental health cannot be ignored by the university or its students, and it needs to take the front seat for once.
Student Wellbeing at GCU will be hosting a variety of events on University Mental Health Day on 6th and 7th of March
Photo: Tim Foster
