If you’re struggling, you don’t need to work out exactly what’s wrong – or which service you need – before asking for help.

There are different kinds of support available through your university or college, the NHS and organisations across Leeds. You can use more than one, and the right place to start will depend on what’s going on for you.

Not sure where to start?

Choose whichever sounds closest to what you need right now.

Where you can get support

University, NHS and community support can overlap. For example, you might talk to your university wellbeing team about how you’re coping with your course while also getting therapy through the NHS. Or you might see your GP about anxiety while getting practical help with money or housing elsewhere.

You don’t have to figure this out before asking for help.

Find support where you study

Many universities and colleges in Leeds have their own student support services. What’s available varies, but may include wellbeing advice, counselling or mental health support. You can usually contact these teams directly. If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, they can help you work out what’s available and what to do next.

Use the links below to find support at your university or college.

Your institution may offer other support that isn’t listed here, so check its student support pages too.

Support through your GP and the NHS

Register with a GP in Leeds

If you spend most of the year at your student address, it’s usually a good idea to register with a GP nearby.

You can talk to a GP about your mental health as well as your physical health. They can help you understand what might be going on, discuss treatment and support, and refer you to other NHS services if needed.

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service

If you’re experiencing problems such as anxiety, depression, panic, obsessive thoughts or the effects of trauma, you may be able to refer yourself directly to Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS).

Its NHS Talking Therapies service offers different kinds of psychological support, including guided self-help, groups and talking therapies.

You don’t need to see your GP first to make a self-referral.

The service is for people aged 17 or over who are registered with a Leeds GP and live in the Leeds area.

Refer yourself to Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service.

If you’re not sure whether LMWS is right for you, you can still ask for help. The service will assess what you’re experiencing and can suggest other options where appropriate.

Find out more about talking therapies and counselling in Leeds.

If something practical is affecting your mental health

Money problems, housing, loneliness, relationships, caring responsibilities, work and other pressures can all affect how you feel.

Your university or students’ union may have specialist advisers who can help with things like money, housing or problems affecting your studies.

You can also:

Getting help with the thing that’s causing the pressure can sometimes be as important as getting help with how you’re feeling.

If you’re already getting mental health support

Starting university, moving to Leeds or going home during holidays can disrupt support that was already working for you.

If you have an existing mental health condition or already receive care:

  • register with a GP near where you live during term time
  • keep attending appointments with your GP or mental health team where you can
  • make sure you know how you will get any regular medication you need
  • consider telling your university wellbeing or disability team if your mental health could affect your studies
  • ask what reasonable adjustments or other academic support might be available.

You don’t necessarily have to wait until you’re struggling before making contact with student support.

See Neurodivergent and disabled students for more information about disability support, reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Student Minds also has advice about studying with a mental health diagnosis.

Getting ready to ask for help

It can be difficult to explain how you’re feeling, particularly when you’re already overwhelmed. You don’t need to have the right words.

Before an appointment, you might find it helpful to make a few notes about:

  • what’s been happening
  • how long you’ve felt this way
  • how it’s affecting your everyday life or studies
  • anything you’re particularly worried about
  • what you’ve already tried
  • what you’d like help with – if you know.

It’s also fine to say “I’m not sure what I need – I just know I’m struggling.”

If it would help, ask whether a friend, family member or someone else you trust can support you before, during or after the appointment.

Support for specific situations

Sometimes what’s affecting your mental health is linked to something else going on in your life. These links can help you find information and support for some common situations.

MindMate

If you’re a young person looking for support with student life, MindMate also has information, advice and support to help you.

When to get urgent help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

If you need urgent mental health help but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

You can also visit Need urgent help to find crisis support in Leeds.

Last updated: September 2026