Anxiety and Depression

What is Anxiety?

"Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations." - Mind.

What is Depression?

"Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life. In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn't stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal." - Mind.

If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety or depression, please refer to the support options below.

Spectrum Life

• Spectrum Life is our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is a confidential, neutral service provided by an external company to support colleagues at the University. They provide free counselling support for your mental health, including anxiety and depression.
• 'Dealing with anxiety' wellbeing pathway via the portal.
• 'Dealing with depression' wellbeing pathway via the portal.

Occupational Health

• If you are experiencing anxiety or depression it can help to talk to your manager who can  refer you to Occupational Health for support. Alternatively, you can make a  self-referral direct to the Occupational Health Team. 

Chaplaincy

• The University of Exeter Chaplaincy offers one-to-one, pastoral support as well as drop-in cafes. You can book a "Time to Talk" appointment for a confidential, non-judgemental talk with a chaplain. You do not have to have any religious beliefs to contact the Chaplaincy for pastoral support or to join in with their Connections Cafés, but they also run some faith groups which can be a source of spiritual support.

External support

• It can be helpful to go through one of Mind’s ‘Wellness Action Plans’ (workplace, remote and hybrid) with your manager so you can both explore how they can support you more with your wellbeing. They also offer a managers' support guide. 
• Get Your Mind Plan - Every Mind Matters - NHS
• An 'Anxiety self-help guide' has been created by DPT NHS.
• A 'Depression and low mood self-help guide' has been created by DPT NHS.
• The Access to Work Mental Health Support - a confidential service delivered by Remploy funded by the Department of Works and Pensions is available at no charge to any employees with depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues affecting their work.
• NHS Talking Therapies (previously called IAPT)- an NHS support you can refer yourself directly to for talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, other therapies and guided self-help. 
• The charity Mind runs a wide range of peer support options that you can refine by location.
• Living Options provides free accessible counselling to people with a disability and members of the Deaf community (British Sign Language Users) across Devon. 

University support

• It can help to complete a Workplace Pressures Risk Assessment to identify and address causes of stress.
• Taking good care of ourselves can really help us to stay mentally well. Take a look at the ‘Self-care and staying well’ section for resources and advice.
• The University of Exeter library has an in-person and online wellbeing section you can access.
• Free internal mindfulness sessions are available for colleagues. 

• To access free 'Headspace' short guided meditations, breathing exercises and focus music, just type 'Viva Insights' into your MS Teams search bar. This app also allows you to send praise, book focus time, reflect on how you're feeling and much more. You can pin this app if you use it regularly.

• The Managing Mental Health and Stress Standard sets out processes for managing stress at the University and links to relevant resources and support.
• University of Exeter’s Mind Over Natter wellbeing videos include: How not to worry about worrying with Professor Ed Watkins, Minds, bodies, stress and washing machines with Jonny Wilkins from Talkworks and Be your own life coach.