Mental health support
What it really means
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety or low mood, your GP is a normal first step — mental health is treated like any other health issue. NHS talking therapies can often be self-referred. In a mental health crisis, call NHS 111; if life is at risk, call 999.
Context, tips & common mistakes
You do not need to go through a GP for everything. In England you can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies online for anxiety, low mood and stress; university students also have free counselling and wellbeing services, and using them affects neither your studies record nor any visa. GPs remain a proper route too — mental health is as legitimate a reason for an appointment as a broken arm, and consultations are confidential.
For a bad moment rather than a bad month: the Samaritans listen 24/7 on 116 123, free from any phone, and you do not need to be suicidal to call. In a mental health emergency, 999 or A&E respond exactly as for physical emergencies, and NHS 111 offers a mental health option. The cultural point newcomers most need: asking for help here is treated as sensible, not shameful.
Example conversation
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.