Mental Health

Studying at University can be a stressful experience. This is especially the case if you are studying somewhere that is not your home country and you are a long way from the support of family and friends back home. We hope that the supportive atmosphere of both the MCR and the College in general will help carry most people through the difficulties - however, if things are really getting too much, there are a number of places you can go for help. There is no need to feel ashamed about seeking help for mental health problems - they affect a significant proportion of people, and are especially common in students, so you are in good company! The MCR welfare officers can provide a listening ear if you need someone to talk to, and there are various others in College who offer a similar function or who can advise on specific issues you may face. However, sometimes you may feel that it is easier to talk to someone not associated with College, and if this is the case, the following services may be able to help:


Listening Services

Oxford University Counselling Service

The University Counselling Service is a professionally staffed confidential Student Counselling Service for assistance with personal, emotional, social and academic problems. The Service is available free to all undergraduate and graduate members of the University. The Counselling Service will not divulge information without prior permission to your parents or College. It is available throughout the year, with appointments generally being during working hours (9-5 Mon-Fri) and an initial assessment usually being available within five days, but it is obviously not intended to be used as a 'crisis' service. You can book an appointment by visiting their office at 11 Wellington Square, by email, or by phoning (01865 2)70300.


Nightline

Nightline is a completely independent listening, support and information service run by students, for students. It aims to provide every student in Oxford with the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence. No contact is made with any outside agency, academic department or anyone else; you don't even have to give your name.

You can phone nightline on (01865 2)70270 any time from 8pm to 8am. They are open from the beginning of 0th week until the end of 9th week. If you're ringing from an Oxford (01865) number or a mobile, then they can phone you back if you want. Alternatively you can go to the office at 16 Wellington Square to talk over coffee and biscuits for as long as you like.


Samaritans

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Samaritans offer confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You don't have to be suicidal to call, but can do so if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone. The Samaritans can be contacted by phone on 08457 90 90 90, by email, or you can drop into their office at 60 Magdalen Road, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1RB, where the usual opening hours are 8am - 10pm.


Oxford Friend

Oxford Friend is a lesbian and gay helpline providing free and completely confidential information, support and counselling services for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in Oxford. You can email them, or phone them on (01865) 726893.



Other Mental Health Services

You may have a problem that cannot be solved simply by talking to a friend or counsellor, and if this is the case it is important to get the help you need. Mental health problems - such as excessive anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or problems with alcohol or other drugs - are very common and can be a source of serious illness, but most can be treated effectively. The first port of call if you think you have a mental health problem is your GP (see this page for details of how to contact the College GP, Dr Gancz), who will be able to arrange referral to specialist services if necessary. Any contact you have with Dr Gancz or with the mental health services will be kept confidential, so nobody from the College or University will be told about it unless you give your permission for this to happen.

There are also specialist support services available for people who struggle with particular issues relating to mental health, although these are not intended to replace treatment by a doctor if this is needed. A few of these services are listed below:


Alcohol and Drugs

Alcoholics Anonymous provides support to anyone affected by drinking (including those who do not have a drinking problem themselves but who are affected by the drinking of someone close to them). You can call them on 0845 769 7555.

Talk to Frank provides information and advice about drug and alcohol addiction, and details of local services. It is intended both for those affected and for their family and friends. You can call the Frank Helpline on 0800 776600.


Eating Disorders

Beat is a charity working to support people with eating disorders, and their families and friends. They provide information on eating disorders and how to 'beat' them, and have a helpline which you can call on 0845 634 1414. You can also email them, or write on their message boards.


Abuse and Violence

If you are the victim of abuse or violence and need immediate assistance, dial 999. If you wish to report a matter that is less urgent, contact the police at 0845 850 5505. Other services available to victims of abuse or violence that offer support and advice include the following:

Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre offer a free confidential support service for women and girls in Oxford who are the survivors of sexual abuse. You can call them on 01865 726295 (the lines are staffed on monday, thursday and sunday evenings, and they have a 24-hour answerphone service).

The National Domestic Violence Helpline provides support, help and information to women experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic violence. You can call their free 24-hour helpline on 0800 2000 247.