Very often when people come to see a counsellor, they say: “I’m not sure my problem is serious enough for counselling.” It can be hard to know when to seek professional help. Here are some guidelines.
We all feel sad or down sometimes. A relationship ends; someone dies; we miss friends and family from home. Usually, feelings of sadness diminish over time and there are ways in which you can help yourself to feel better. Often this is enough. It’s OK to feel sad and upset when we know why we are feeling that way. It’s not pleasant, but it’s a normal human emotion.
How can I help myself?
Some ways of helping yourself feel better include:
When can counselling help?
Often, professional support is not required when dealing with common feelings of sadness. But you may need to see a counsellor if:
If you think you need to see a counsellor you should register with us.
Whenever we face a new situation, try something new or go into an unfamiliar social situation, anxiety is normal. You may think you’re the only person feeling anxious about making a presentation on your course, or asking a person out on a date – but you’re not! Accepting anxiety as a normal part of life is an important part of maturing.
How can I help myself?
Some ways of helping yourself feel better include:
When can counselling help?
Often, simple relaxation techniques can help you manage anxiety. But you may need to see a counsellor if:
If you think you need to see a counsellor you should register with us.
Coming to university, especially for the first time, is a big step. It would be strange if you didn’t feel a bit homesick. Usually, with time this passes and Birmingham starts to feel more and more familiar.
How can I help myself?
Some ways of helping yourself feel better include:
When can counselling help?
Homesickness usually passes with time - people sometimes need between 4 and 6 months to really start to make friends and settle down.. But you may need to see a counsellor if:
If you think you need to see a counsellor you should register with us.
The transition to degree-level work after A-levels can be daunting. Often, work is less structured and there is less feedback. You need time to get used to this. Talk to other students on your course. Talk to your tutors. They are there to help you adjust. Beware of working too hard because you then risk ‘burn-out’. Make sure that you plan plenty of social time, relaxation time, and exercise time in your week. This keeps you in balance and helps you to work more effectively.
How can I help myself?
You might want to read information on:
When can counselling help?
Usually the best people to help you with academic problems are your personal and your welfare tutor. But you may need to see a counsellor if:
If you think you need to see a counsellor you should register with us.
Accepting life’s challenges as normal is important. Knowing that others may feel the way you do at times can help to reduce your own fears that your reactions are ‘not normal’.
Some sources of support that you can access on your own are:
When can counselling help?
Usually, for most of us, the best form of support comes from people who know us: friends, family, tutors, and people we meet in our daily lives. But you may need to see a counsellor if:
If you think you need to see a counsellor you should register with us.
Get a wellbeing checkup
Register online for your free personalised health and wellbeing assessment, find out your wellbeing score and gettailored help and advice.
