The Student Information and Support Officers (SISC) provide advice and support on a range of academic, personal and financial issues.

Difficulty Coping

Having difficulty coping? 

There is no doubt that the years spent in university are some of the best of your life. But, it's not always easy and can be a lot to take on. There can be academic pressures, social anxieties, financial worries and other concerns related to being out on your own for the first time. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many other students are having the exact same stresses and worries. And there’s lots of support and assistance available to you. 

During your time at UL you might need some support to help you along the way. Below are some suggestions that might help if you are having difficulty coping. 

Please note: If you are at risk/suicidal please contact either the crisis liaison mental health team at the University Hospital Limerick (061 301111) or your local hospital, or your GP immediately. 

 

UL student counselling and wellbeing service

This is a free and confidential counselling service that acts as a first point of contact for mental health needs. UL Student Counselling and Wellbeing service provides the following supports during normal working hours (9am-5pm) throughout the semester:

  1. Drop-In: begins with a short mental health screening and risk assessment/ management/ guidance to available resources. Monday to Friday between 10am - 12noon (last check-in 11:40) in room CM073
  2. Online Platforms: Mental health education and wellbeing maintenance via Silvercloud and Togetherall (further details below)
  3. Short term counselling sessions. 9am-5pm, normal working hours.

For more information visit UL Student Counselling and Wellbeing service.

At Drop-in, you will be asked to fill out an online registration form and some mental health screening forms. This takes about 10 minutes. You will then spend 10-15 minutes with an Assistant Psychologist who will explore what is going on for you. Final Drop-In intake forms must be commenced by 11.40 to ensure Drop-In is completed by 12 noon.

Please allow 30-45 minutes for Drop-In depending on the queue. Drop-In can get busy so you may need to wait to be seen.

Further supports after Drop-In will depend upon your needs and on resources available (e.g., Bibliotherapy, online supports, short term counselling). Alternatively, you may be referred to a specialist mental health / support service inside or outside of UL.

If you are on Erasmus or work placement you can email UL Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service at counselling@ul.ie.

Online platforms

UL students (or staff members) can avail of the following two mental health platforms regardless of attending our service. Both platforms are:

  • Free
  • Confidential
  • Available 24/7, 365 days a year. 
Silvercloud Togetherall
An online self-help Cognitive Behaviour Therapy platform. An online peer support mental health and well-being platform.

Programmes include:

  • Space for Resilience
  • Space from Covid 19
  • Space from Stress
  • Space from Alcohol
  • Space from Money Worries
  • Space for Sleep
  • Space for Positive Body Image

Supports include:

  • 24/7 Peer to Peer Support
  • Courses, Resources, & Self Assessments
  • Signposting to Local Resources
  • 24 Hour Support from Wall Guide

 

Niteline  
NiteLine is an out-of-hours peer support service for third level students.  

Info:

  • A tailored support service for student mental health
  • Open at night when other services are closed
  • We don’t tell our callers what to do.
  • We listen, give information if the caller wishes, and support them to make their own decisions.
  • We take calls about everything from suicide, to how someone’s day went, to how a student can contact their college counselling service.

 


If you or someone you know is in crisis outside of core hours, please avail of the services below to receive the help and support you need. 

 

Other supports

  • Text support via 50808. Text 50808 is a 24/7 Crisis Text Line where you can engage via text with a trained volunteer - text 'UL' to 50808.
  • Emergency Services 999 / 112 
  • Pieta: Helpline 1800 247 247 will operate all through Christmas 24 hours per day Or text HELP to 51444 and a fully qualified psychotherapist will respond. To make an appointment contact 0818 111 126.
  • Samaritans Listening service: 24/7 Freephone helpline 116 123 
  • ISPCC Childline Listening service for children up to 18 years old 24/7 Freephone helpline 1800 66 66 66 / Text TALK to 50101 50808 50808 is a free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support. Free: text YMH to 50808 to begin.
  • Rape Crisis: 1800 311511

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