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Student policies & guidelines

Student Mental Health Policy


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Contents

Background

In 1996 the Green Paper 'Our Healthier Nation' identified mental health as one of the priority areas in the Government's health strategy.  The National Health Service framework for Mental Health includes mental health promotion, primary care access and services to people with mental health difficulties and 'The Changing Minds Campaign', run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, aims to de-stigmatise mental illness.

In April 2000 the CVCP (now Universities UK) issued guidelines on "Student Mental Health Policies and Procedures for Higher Education".  The following is the University of Bath's response to those guidelines.

Introduction

  1. Many people experience some of the symptoms associated with mental health difficulties at some point in their lives.  The degree of severity of a problem is reflected by the intensity of the symptoms and the impact on the individual's capacity to function. For example, for one person depression may mean feeling temporarily low in mood, whereas for another it could mean feeling completely debilitated and unable to take care of basic needs.
  2. Mental health difficulties encompass many problems, including anxiety, depression and eating disorders (see Appendix 2 to this Policy). The University of Bath is concerned with the needs of and responsibilities to, any student whose mental health difficulties inhibit their capacity to fulfil their potential, whether temporarily or long-term. The University aims to ensure that appropriate support is offered to students experiencing mental health difficulties
  3. In addition to the duty of care the University owes to all students, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 places a special duty on institutions not to discriminate against students with mental health difficulties, either in terms of admission to courses or in the provision of education and support services. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 builds on these previous requirements by placing a positive duty on all public bodies, including HEIs, to eliminate discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
  4. The University of Bath is committed to creating a non-discriminatory, inclusive and supportive environment for all students.  It will make reasonable adjustments to enable students with mental health difficulties to participate and engage fully in University activities.
  5. The University of Bath values cultural diversity and is sensitive to cultural differences. We aim to take a proactive approach to meet the needs of all students.
  6. Students are encouraged to disclose any disability to the University, either pre or post admission, to help it to make the necessary adjustments to meet their needs and to enhance their learning experience.   This information will be dealt with in accordance with the University guidelines on confidentiality (see Policy on SENDA).

Information and advice

  1. The University not only has a duty of care towards students experiencing mental health difficulties, but to the wider student and staff community.  If a student is experiencing a mental health difficulty, he or she is encouraged to speak to a personal tutor, supervisor, academic or other member of  support staff.   The member of staff should ensure that the student is referred to the University Medical Centre, Student Health & Well Being, Student Disability Advice or the Chaplaincy Centre. Contact details are in Appendix 1 to this paper.
  2. If a member of staff or a student knows or suspects a student may have mental health difficulties they are also able to contact the services mentioned in paragraph 6 in confidence for advice on how to deal with the situation and how the student might best be supported. Contact details are in Appendix 1.

Examination arrangements and mitigating circumstances

  1. Alternative arrangements for examinations or assessments may be made for students with mental health difficulties that would affect their ability to undertake the examination or assessment as usually conducted. See 'How to apply for alternative arrangements for your examinations and assessments' – http://www.bath.ac.uk/disabilityadvice/students/exams.html
  2.  Students with a mental health difficulty are strongly encouraged to ensure   that an assessment of their support needs, to enable them to comply with the requirements of their chosen programme, is carried out. For procedures on requesting an extension see QA16 (PDF format – requires Acrobat Reader to view ).
  3. A student who wishes any mitigating circumstances to be taken into account by the Board of Examiners should notify the appropriate Director of Studies and supply evidence as appropriate according to Regulations for Students, Section 17.3(d) and QA35.(PDF format - requires Acrobat Reader to view )

Interruption of Studies

  1. The University will respond flexibly to any request to suspend studies on the grounds of mental health and it is usually possible for a student to suspend his or her course of study to enable a period of rest and recovery.  An appropriate period of recovery can be negotiated, after which the University might require medical evidence to confirm that the student is fit and able to cope with the academic demands that will be placed upon them. 
  2. If a student feels that a suspension of study may help them, they should:
    • firstly discuss this option with an appropriate member of staff, such as their
    • personal tutor, Director of Studies or contact Student Disability Advice
    • If a student's performance is being adversely affected by a mental health difficulty, the tutor may encourage the student to consider requesting some time out to recover.  A student will not be disadvantaged on the resumption of his/her studies by reason of agreed suspension due to mental health difficulties.
  3. In some circumstances, if a student refuses to accept a recommendation that they suspend their studies or refuses offers of support there may be implications for that student's progress. Where the student's behaviour is having an adverse affect on others, there may be disciplinary implications. 

Fitness to Practice

  1. A student's performance could be compromised by mental health difficulties, thus impacting upon fitness to practice. Where a student is studying on a programme of study which leads to a vocational qualification and which is subject to a fitness to practice or termination of training procedure, any serious mental health concerns should be referred to the person responsible as set out in that procedure.

University Careers Service

  1. It is important that students who have experienced mental health difficulties, particularly where academic achievements have been adversely affected or led to temporary withdrawal, are advised appropriately by Careers Service staff.  Careers advisers have the expertise in helping students both to be realistic and to market themselves effectively, enabling them to decide on appropriate disclosure presented positively and constructively.

Implementation

  1. The Student Mental Health Strategy Working Group is responsible for advising the University on student mental health issues. This working group was established by the Student Experience and Strategy Committee. It includes colleagues from the University, the NHS and local Voluntary Sector Agencies, and it aims oversee the development and implementation of a range of strategies design to implement this Student Mental Health Policy. 

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Appendices
APPENDIX 1

Where to go for help and support

Internal contacts and links

The University Medical Centre

The Medical Centre is situated at Quarry House, North Road.
Tel. No: (01225) 386655 or ext 6655 in office hours
E-mail: medicalcentre@bath.ac.uk
Opening hours: 08.15-18.00
Website: www.umcbath.co.uk/

The Medical Centre includes a general practice and the centre staff consists of reception and administrative staff, doctors, nursing staff, a visiting psychiatrist and cognitive psychologist. Counsellors are also available through the GPs.

All surgeries are booked by appointment. If an urgent appointment is required one will be made as soon as possible that day and difficulties in attending an appointment will be dealt with readily.

Doctor’s surgeries:
Monday to Friday 09.00-12.30 and 14.00-16.30
Nurses Clinics:
Monday to Friday 09.30-12.00 and 14.00-16.30

The out-of-hours service is provided by Bath Emergency Medical Services (BEMS). This is based at the Royal United Hospital and will provide advice or arrange to see you as necessary. Patients need to call 01980 626226 to access this service.

 

Student Health & Well Being

Tel. No: Ext 5538
E-mail: listening@bath.ac.uk
Website: www.bath.ac.uk/counselling/

Counselling is available by appointment Monday to Friday during semesters for undergraduates and all year round for postgraduates. Appointments are not available when the University is closed. Only limited counselling provision is available during vacation periods. The normal appointment hours are 9.15am to 4.15pm.

The Counselling team includes a Student Mental Health Worker and is supported by a Consultant Psychiatrist who the University employs to provide assessments and some ongoing care for students registered with the Medical Centre.

The Student Health and Well Being team will be pleased to advise any members of academic, administrative or residential staff on how to help a student who appears to have a mental health problem.

Counsellors adhere to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Guidelines on confidentiality and data protection.

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Student Disability Advice

Tel No: Ext 5538
E-mail: disabilityadvice@bath.ac.uk
Website: www.bath.ac.uk/disabilityadvice

Open: all year round. Appointments needed for individual advice interviews.

A confidential advice, information and guidance service for disabled students and the staff supporting them. Implementation of support, including alternative exam and assessment arrangements.

 

Library Support
There are computers with specialist software and enabling programmes available in the Library and lap tops that can be borrowed with similar software and used elsewhere on campus. There is an IT help desk and specialist software tuition support. Library staff will assist with access to information in the library. In addition academic support may be available through the Learning Support Service.

 

The Chaplaincy Centre

The Chaplaincy Centre is right in the centre of the Campus, to the left of the Library and down the steps. Wheelchair access is by the road level.
Tel. 01225 386458 - Internal Ext 6458 - Duty Chaplain's mobile: 07966 341370
E-mail: chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk
Website: www/bath.ac.uk/chaplaincy

The team of chaplains are trained and experienced in pastoral care, personal support and crisis management. Working closely with other support services they meet with students and staff in any kind of distress and the person does not need to be " religious".

A support group is run in the Autumn Term for students who are not settling in or who are experiencing homesickness.

The Chaplaincy is confidential and can offer male or female Chaplains.
The Centre is open Mon-Fri. 10am - 4pm on a walk-in basis.

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External Contacts and Links

Depression Alliance
http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Telephone: 020 7633 0557
The Depression Alliance is a registered charity aiming to provide information, support, fellowship and advice for people experiencing depression, their carers, relatives and friends.

The Samaritans
10 Newbridge Hill, Bath
Telephone: 01225 429222 or 0845 790 9090
Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that may lead to suicide. Callers may also be worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone.

Alternatively, you can email the Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
You might prefer to write down how you are feeling than pick up the phone. The Samaritans can provide you with emotional support via e-mail and are now receiving over 1750 e-mails a week. Samaritans 'listen' in total confidence and without judgment, whatever your situation and will delete your email after 30 days. Currently they are only able to provide an English-speaking service.

Eating Disorders Association
http://www.edauk.com/
103 Prince of Wales Road
Norwich NR1 1DW
United Kingdom
Helpline: 0845 634 1414 (open 8:30am to 8:30pm Monday to Friday).
The Eating Disorder Association is a registered charity and provides an adult helpline for people over 18 in the United Kingdom who wish to talk about eating disorders and to obtain information about help available in their locality. The service is confidential.

Mindout for Mental Health
http://www.mindout.net/
Mindout for mental health is an active campaign to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health.

Manic Depression Fellowship
http://www.mdf.org.uk/
The Manic Depression Fellowship works to enable people affected by manic depression to take control of their lives.

Student Depression
http://www.studentdepression.org
A resource for UK students offering comprehensive information about depression.

BBC - Mental Health
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/mental/
The BBC hold a good deal of general information on mental health on their website.

@ease
http://www.at-ease.nsf.org.uk/index.html
@ease is part of Rethink - Working together to help everyone affected by severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, to recover a better quality of life. It offers provide practical advice, support and information to people who have a severe mental illness, their families and friends. The web site also includes an interactive discussion board where students can post their concerns or ask for advice.

Lancaster University
www.studentmentalhealth.org.uk/
Lancaster University have produced a good practice guide on supporting students with mental health difficulties, which can be accessed on-line.

Students in mind
www.studentsinmind.org.uk/
Guidance for students by students.

Support Against Racist Incidents (S.A.R.I.)
http://www.sariweb.org.uk
Bristol branch: 0117 952 5652
S.A.R.I. is a black-led voluntary agency which supports and empowers victims of racial harassment.

Evening and weekend support services in Bath

Primary Health Care 01980 626226
Out of hours cover for GP practices

Bath National Health Service Walk-In Centre,
James Street West
Bath BA1 2BT
8am – 8pm daily

NHS Direct 0845 467

Samaritans 01225 429222

Students’ Union 'Nightline' 01225 383030
8.00pm – 8.00am daily during semesters

University Security Office 01225 385349
Emergency - ext: 666

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APPENDIX 2

What is a mental health difficulty?

A mental health difficulty is one in which a person is distracted from ordinary daily living by upsetting and disturbing thoughts and/or feelings. A mental health difficulty may disorientate a person's view of the world and produce a variety of symptoms and behaviour likely to cause distress and concern.

Categories of Mental Health Difficulties:

Psychiatric Illness
 Includes psychosis, mood disorders and eating disorders.

It must be remembered there is considerable variability in the signs of mental illness. The individual may be unaware that they are ill and unaware of the effect of their illness on other people.

Within this category there are two groups of student:

  1. those who have a recognised illness when they come to University and are under the care of a psychiatrist at the time of their starting their course. Long-term mental health difficulties are formally considered a disability.
  2. those whose mental health difficulties emerge during their time at the University. Those difficulties which may tend to present in late adolescence may include schizophrenia and compulsive behaviours.

Signs and indications of psychiatric illness may include: unkempt or altered appearance, a disturbed sense of time and place, inappropriate or bizarre behaviour, disassociated thoughts, hearing voices, visual hallucinations, severely paranoid thoughts and lack of insight.

Psychological or emotional problems

These are much more common among students than psychotic illness. They can range from mild anxiety or depression, mood swings, inability to concentrate or produce written work, acute exam anxiety to severe panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, psychosomatic symptoms, alcohol and drug problems, eating disorders, the effects of separation and bereavement.

Evidence of a psychological or emotional problem can include: any of the above symptoms but more commonly include absenteeism, lateness, self neglect, poor concentration and performance, changed behaviour and appearance, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, difficulty with eating or over-eating, self-induced vomiting, over use of alcohol/drugs, lack of motivation, feelings of isolation, withdrawal from peer group, obsessive attitude towards work, a desire to be perfect and an unrealistic pre-occupation with failure.

Suicide and self harm

This refers to a wide range of self-destructive behaviour and a wide range of causes. These include psychiatric illnesses and emotional problems. There is no evidence that enquiring about ideas of suicide increases risk. All students with suicidal thoughts are at risk of acting these out if not taken seriously. Those who self harm are not always suicidal but they may be.

Signs that a student may have suicidal thoughts include the following: expressions of hopelessness, despair, severe depression, lack of interest or motivation, low self-esteem, self-denigration and a sense of underlying anger.


Summary*

There follows a brief summary of some of the symptoms of the most common mental health problems; such conditions could only be diagnosed by a qualified clinician. It may be helpful to note that anxiety and depression feature as the two most common reasons for individuals to consult their GP.

Anxiety Agitation, significant changes in appetite, headaches, difficulties, or panic attacks. Includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder that may be characterised by repetitive memories or flashbacks of a traumatic event.
Depression Low mood, lack of motivation, sense of emptiness, change of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, withdrawal, self-neglect, self-loathing, thoughts of hurting or killing oneself.
Mania Elated mood, rapid speech, little sleep, relentless high energy, reckless behaviour, delusions or hallucinations. Mania with depression may also be a feature of 'bi-polar disorder' (also known as manic depression).
Psychosis Disordered or paranoid thoughts, delusions, disorganised or strange speech, 'hearing voices', hallucinations, agitated or bizarre behaviour, extreme emotional states.
Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder. In addition to the symptoms of psychosis listed above, this disorder may be characterised by negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, poor personal hygiene and poor motivation.
Anorexia Nervosa An eating disorder characterised by extreme fear of being fat, distorted body image, extremely low dietary intake, excessive exercise.
Bulimia Nervosa An eating disorder characterised by binge eating, induced vomiting, induced diarrhoea.
Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviour Repetition of behaviours, rituals, checking, ruminating, repetitive thoughts. Intense fear, usually with one focus such as open or confined spaces, heights, rats, spiders, social situations.

*Source:
Responding to student mental health issues: 'Duty of Care' responsibilities for student services in higher education - Good Practice Guide (AMOSSHE).