Mental health is no joke and putting additional strain on your mental wellbeing by depending on alcohol and/or drugs is generally a bad idea. Regardless of how your friends may tell you that a small dose of something naughty may help you cut loose, oftentimes you’re masking the issue at hand.
Many may to turn to alcohol or drug use to help them to manage symptoms of their condition (known as self-medicating) but it can become difficult to know when to stop. Did you know that half of adults who have a mental health condition will also have a substance use disorder at some point in their life? [1]
Often, involving a third party who is neutral to your personal situation is the best answer. There is much help available for those who need it. You may wish to contact the Student Wellbeing Centre who have drop-in sessions Monday to Friday between 12pm and 2pm and additional sessions running on Thursdays between 5pm and 7pm. They may refer you for counselling if you would like to take that approach.
Your GP is also here to help. They may be able to help in offering pharmaceuticals suitable for you and monitor your progress and give lifestyle advice, but also may be able to refer you to a specialist if you need one. The University Health Centre has close links with the Student Wellbeing Centre and making use of both services may help you both personally and in your learning.
Studies show that a staggering 27% of university students are diagnosed with a mental health condition.[2] Remember to check in on your friends at university to see how they are doing, even if it doesn’t seem like they’re having a tough time – but most importantly – pay attention to how you feel and know when it’s time for you to seek help.
Stay well and stay safe.
Student Wellbeing Centre:
Email: studentwellbeing@lincoln.ac.uk
Telephone: 01522 886400
University Health Centre:
Telephone: 01522 870010
Rehab4Addiction Helpline:
Telephone: 0800 140 4790
Useful link: https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/blog/student-addiction-treatment-guide
References:
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018) Comorbidity: Substance Use Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses. Available from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-substance-use-disorders-other-mental-illnesses [accessed 26 January 2019]
Rehab4Addiction (2019) Student Addiction Treatment Guide. Available from https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/blog/student-addiction-treatment-guide [accessed 26 January 2019]
University of Lincoln (2019) A Supportive Community. Available from https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studentlife/supportivecommunity/ [accessed 26 January 2019]
[2] YouGov (2016) One in four students suffer from mental health problems. Available from https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2016/08/09/quarter-britains-students-are-afflicted-mental-hea [accessed 26 January 2019]