Generative AI (GenAI) tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and other chatbots can feel helpful when you want to reflect, organise your thoughts, or find general wellbeing information. Many students also report using these tools when they feel stressed, anxious, low, or overwhelmed.

However, GenAI should not be used as a replacement for professional mental health or wellbeing support. GenAI can make mistakes, misunderstand risk, provide generic or inappropriate advice, and may not keep your information private in the way you expect. This page explains how to use GenAI more safely and when to seek human support.

Important

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. In emergency situations, do not use GenAI as your main source of support.

call Be Well – Talk Now on 0800 090 3958 for 24/7 psychological support
text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support
call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support
call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, 24/7 emotional support
contact Campus Security on 01225 383 999 for on-campus emergencies

How to use GenAI more safely

It's always better to share your concerns with a qualified human that you trust. If you choose to use AI, be aware of the risks.

use GenAI for reflection, not decisions. Ask GenAI to help you think through options, but do not ask, expect or let it make important decisions for you.
always verify any advice GenAI gives you. If you are seeking advice about medication, diagnosis, risk, treatment, self-harm, eating, substance use, trauma, or abuse, then we always recommend you seek the support of a qualified human professional. If GenAI gives you any advice on these topics, always double check with a qualified professional or trusted university support service.
protect your privacy. Avoid entering your full name, student number, address, phone number, names of other people, or detailed information you would not want stored or reviewed.
be alert, GenAI can be wrong and can sound convincing even when it is inaccurate. Confirmation bias is common. It may invent information, misunderstand your situation, or give advice that is too generic. GenAI may not ask you the right clarifying questions to fully understand your situation.
notice how it affects you. If using GenAI leaves you feeling more anxious, dependent, confused, ashamed, isolated, or distressed, then this suggests GenAI is not helping you and it would be more beneficial to speak to a person instead.
keep humans involved. GenAI may be most useful when it directs you to people or organisations who can support you, not when it replaces speaking to someone. Some NHS trusts are starting to use AI chat bots to link you to the best type of support and to provide you with coping strategies while you wait.

What GenAI can be useful for

GenAI may be useful for low-risk wellbeing needs, such as helping you reflect, plan, or prepare for a conversation. For example, you might ask it to help you list what has been bothering you, or suggest general self-care ideas. Treat the response as a starting point, not as a diagnosis or treatment plan.

You could use GenAI to:

Prepare for an appointment with an academic advisor: “can you help me list the concerns I am having with my course at the moment so I can explain them to my academic advisor?”
Find the right words: "can you help me to describe how I’ve been feeling lately in a clear and simple way. Help me identify both positive and challenging feelings”
List ideas for managing day to day student life: “I’m feeling overwhelmed by my study, paid work and sporting commitments, can you help me organise my week”
Prepare for group work: “I’m doing some group work, can you provide me with some fun and professional icebreakers for talking with my team?”
Generate ideas for low-risk coping strategies: this could include sleep routines, study planning, relaxation, or social connection: “Can you suggest some general grounding techniques for stress? Please remind me to seek professional support if things feel unmanageable.”

What GenAI should never be used for

GenAI chatbots and wellness apps alone cannot solve mental health needs and that safety, evidence, privacy, and regulation remain major issues as outlined in the AI and Mental Healthcare – ethical and regulatory considerations from the UK Parliament.

do not rely on AI in a crisis.
do not use AI to decide whether you need urgent help.
do not use AI if you are thinking about harming yourself, contact human support
do not treat AI as a therapist, doctor, or crisis service.
do not follow advice from GenAI that tells you to stop medication, avoid professional help, isolate yourself, or do anything unsafe.
do not share highly personal, identifiable, or sensitive information.

What the university can and cannot do

The University of Bath does not monitor your private use of GenAI tools and so will not be able to intervene if GenAI is providing you with unsafe information.

The University is unable to guarantee that any GenAI provided information is safe, even if you follow the advice on this page.

If you are using GenAI because you are distressed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to get help, Student Support can help you think through your options confidentially.

When you talk with a Student Support advisor, you will be speaking with a empathetic person who will listen without judgement. They will use their training and experience to properly understand you and the circumstances that you find yourself in. They will support you or safely direct you to the most appropriate support. If needed, they can take practical actions to help keep you safe.

Thinking about using GenAI for wellbeing support? What you need to know first.

In emergency situations, do not use GenAI as your main source of support.