Student wellbeing @ UAL
From UAL's Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy team

Category: Depression

Categories
Anxiety Depression Health Low mood Mental Health Wellbeing

Are you registered with a GP?


Student Services, High Holborn building.

Lots of students at UAL make contact with the Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy team at UAL. We support students with a wide variety of concerns.

One of the most common obstacles to getting help in place happens when students aren’t registered with a GP (general practitioner.) It can be frustrating if you need help with your physical health, mental health or general wellbeing. Not being registered with a doctor can add to those frustrations.

Doctors can do lots of important things like prescribe medication, refer you to other services within the NHS and monitor your health conditions. There are so many good reasons why students should register with a GP where they are living while at university.

The NHS can help you find a GP in your local area.

UAL students can also register with Holborn Medical Centre.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t registered, do it now!

Categories
Depression Low mood Mental Health Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter blues

Abstract piece by Kehkashan Khalid, Summer Show

At this time of year many students experience the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, sometimes referred to as SAD. As the nights draw in, we can become more lethargic, lacking in energy or motivation. Your mood may drop. There can be the impulse to comfort eat more and to hide away.

Many of these symptoms can be indicative of SAD if they occur as the nights draw in, particularly after the clocks go back at the end of October. The lack of natural daylight can reduce levels of vitamin D and have a direct impact upon mood. Changes to sleep patterns are common.

Some people say they find using a light box can be helpful. These devices aim to emulate natural daylight. You may also wish to have a conversation with your GP to see if SAD could be having an impact on you. Remember it’s important not to self-diagnose. Have a conversation with your doctor to see what could be going on.

You may also wish to check out Mind’s useful summary on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.) Mind is a national charity for the support of mental health.