Coping with Isolation

Play video
Katie,  one of our mental health advisors, chats to us about the difficulties faced from isolation and having to quarantine, and shares practical tips on how to manage this.

Feeling lonely or isolated is something many people feel at different times in their life. Perhaps you are struggling with being away from family or friends, you have struggled to meet other students as a result of the pandemic, or you are adjusting following a break-up. Many people feel lonely when they are experiencing distress and not sharing this with their loved ones; a feeling of being ‘cut off’ from others. Social Media can also induce feelings of isolation if we start comparing our lives to others.

Whatever the reason, the Christmas period can be particularly tough if you are feeling this way. Please be kind to yourself, and know that ‘loneliness is a feeling, not a fact’. You are never truly alone and you can reach out for support. 

Main link list

mind charity logo

Tips to manage loneliness

This webpage from the charity Mind explores loneliness, including the causes of loneliness and how it relates to mental health problems. Mind gives practical tips to help manage feelings of loneliness, and other places you can go for support.

Click here to find out more

rainbow coloured smoke

London Friend: Social support groups for LGBTQIAP+

Would you like to make friends, or just meet with other LGBTQIAP+ people in a safe, and supportive environment? London Friend run social support groups to provide a safe space away from the scene for LGBT people to come together to discuss a range of issues affecting them, including coming out and questions about sexuality.

Click here to find out more

Side by Side logo from Mind

Side by Side: Online Community

Side by Side is charity Mind's online community. It’s a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Click here to sign up to Side by Side where you can share and be heard. A place to be yourself, where someone is always available to talk to in a safe and trusted space.

Click here to get involved

two sets of footsteps in the sand

Finding your feet: Loneliness

Click here to read some tips for recognising loneliness and how to manage it in a way that is self-soothing and supportive. Tips such as reaching out, knowing you are not alone, keeping busy, exploring new interests and self-care are just some of the tools explored. Most importantly, please be kind to yourself- it has not been an easy year to keep connected with others, and one thing is for certain- no matter how much you feel it, you are never truly alone!

Click here to read

satellite image from nasa of lights on the earth

Building a network during coronavirus

Building a network is something that would usually happen organically, over time. This year, because of coronavirus, you might want to take a more structured and planned approach. Student Space have put together these actions you can take to start building your network.

Click here to read

desk with a phone propped up doing a video call

Connecting with others

In this Kind Mind episode, Jasmin Han one of our student counsellors chats to us about the importance of human connection, and what this now looks like for us as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to watch the episode

two friends sitting and chatting in masks

Student Space: Friendships and Social Life

Student Space is a platform created by Student Minds to provide resources and support for students who have been affected by the pandemic. It is no doubt that the social side of student life has had to be different this year. Click here to see Student Space's tips for making friends and managing conflict throughout this difficult time.

Click here to read

Urgent Care

If you need urgent help please contact your doctor, or Imperial College Health Centre on 020 7584 6301.

You can also ask to see someone at the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital. Information about your local A&E services can be found here - Find your nearest A&E - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Call 999 if you need help straight away

Other urgent out of hours mental health support

Samaritans - for people experience high levels of distress including suicidal feelings. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org, this service is 24 hours.

Shout crisis text service - offers a 24 hour text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

I need help with

Fitness to Study Procedure Inclusivity StatementStudent Mental Health Code of Practice and Guidelines