Concerned for a Student?
If you are concerned that a student is in immediate danger to themselves, safety is the priority. Please contact:
On Campus call Campus Support: 0151-794-2222 or 999
Off-Campus call Emergency Services: 999
If it is a crisis situation and you contact Campus Support out of hours, they will inform Student Services the next working day. Student Services will follow up and offer immediate support to the student.
Presentation of Mental Health Needs
Presentation of Mental Health Needs
Research indicates that mental health difficulties are increasing both within the general population and among university students. There is growing awareness of the ways in which these difficulties can affect students' academic performance, daily functioning, and overall wellbeing.
According to a number of studies, including Student Minds (2022), the most common mental health difficulties among both students and the wider population are depression and anxiety. Students are at an increased risk of developing mental health problems, with research showing that many individuals either first experience mental health difficulties or first seek support while at university.
This is partly because the onset of many mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic illnesses, personality difficulties, eating disorders, and substance misuse problems, most commonly occurs during adolescence and early adulthood. As the majority of university students are under the age of 25, this is a particularly important period for identifying and addressing mental health concerns. Around three-quarters of people who experience a mental health condition develop symptoms before the age of 25, which is why early intervention and help-seeking are priorities.
Signs of Mental Health Difficulties
Some students may experience mental health difficulties before arriving at university, while others may develop difficulties during their studies. Seeking help at an early stage is important, as delays in accessing support and treatment can lead to a deterioration in mental health and may adversely affect a student's education and overall university experience.
The following signs may indicate that a student is experiencing emotional distress or some degree of mental health difficulty:
- Lack of concentration and/or difficulty coping academically, including a deterioration in the quality of work.
- A noticeable decline in personal appearance, self-care, or day-to-day functioning.
- Withdrawal from social interactions and activities.
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism.
- Significant changes in mood, including persistent low mood or mood swings.
- Excessive tearfulness.
- Reports of feeling physically unwell without an obvious medical cause.
- Changes in or disturbances to eating and sleeping patterns.
- Agitation, restlessness, or signs of heightened anxiety.
- Expressing unusual, irrational, or potentially delusional beliefs that cause concern.
- Expressing suicidal thoughts or even intent.
It is important to note that none of these factors, when considered in isolation, necessarily indicates a mental health condition. However, the presence of several of these signs, particularly if they represent a change from a student's usual behaviour, may suggest that the student would benefit from support, advice, and guidance.
If you have any concerns about a student, please contact Student Services on 0151 795 1000 or email advice@liverpool.ac.uk.
For further guidance, check out the MHAS - A Practical Guide for Staff document.