Self Help

The following books are available in the University library. Click on the book title for a link to the library catalogue.

I had a Black Dog Matthew Johnstone

A moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog (depression) as a companion and how the author learned to tame it and bring it to heel.

How to Master Anxiety Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell

Packed full of useful information, this book will not only throw light on the causes of your anxiety but, more importantly, show you how to control it. Its clear and practical advice is suitable for anyone who wants to conquer their own over-anxious behaviour or to help others overcome theirs.

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness Gillian Butler

The book explains social anxiety. It gives a complete practical guide to overcoming feelings, changing thinking patterns, reducing self- consciousness and building confidence and teaches you how to relax

Manage your Mind Gillian Butler and Tony Hope

By adopting the practical strategies this book can help you develop the "mental fitness" necessary to resolve one's personal and interpersonal challenges at home and work and to live a productive, satisfying life.

Mindfulness Mark Williams and Danny Penman

A set of simple practical exercises to dissolve anxiety, stress, exhaustion and unhappiness. Based on the techniques of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, the book offers simple and straightforward forms of mindfulness meditation that can be done by anyone. It can take just 10-20 minutes a day to get the full benefits.

Overcoming Grief Sue Morris

Grief is a natural and healthy reaction to loss but it can be extremely debilitating and result in a downward emotional spiral, impacting on such aspects of life as relationships, study and work. This book is a practical and healing guide to coping with bereavement.

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem Melanie Fennel

This book explains the nature of low self-esteem and self-destructive thinking. It provides a complete self-help programme based on clinically proven techniques of cognitive therapy.

Overcoming Depression Paul Gilbert

Depression is very common, affecting over 300 million people around the world. This book uses new research on understanding and treating depression, particularly the importance of developing compassionate ways of thinking, behaving and feeling. It contains helpful case studies and step-by-step suggestions and exercises to help you understand your depression and lift your mood.

Sometimes I Act Crazy: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder Jerold J. Kreisman M.D.& Hal Straus

Hope, advice and guidance for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and those who support and love them.

For some additional online resources please click the drop down below


There’s lots of information circulating on the internet now. Make sure you use reliable sources to gather facts, this could include your GP surgery or the NHS web pages.

  • Be kind to yourself. We’re all learning how to be our ‘new normal’ during this period of isolation.
  • Keep taking your medication
  • Stay in contact with your mental health professionals
  • Seek additional help if you need it
  • The University Counselling and Mental Health Support teams are open for business:

counselling@beds.ac.uk
counsellingbedford@beds.ac.uk
mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk

General Advice

Student Minds has resources specifically for the university community: www.studentminds.org.uk

MIND has advice about looking after yourself during these challenging times: https://www.mind.org.uk/

Mental Health Foundation has tips that are updated regularly:https://mentalhealth.org.uk/

CALM: Helpline especially for men: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

The Samaritans: Listening service: by telephone and online: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time/

Anxiety

OCD-UK: OCD and Coronavirus Top Tip: https://www.ocduk.org/

Anxiety UK: self-help resources for anxiety related conditions: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

Eating Disorders

Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/

The Sanctuary is a chat room and safe space for people with an eating disorder to share concerns and advice on how they are coping with the pandemic: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/sanctuary

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar UK: Bipolar disorder: www.bipolaruk.org/

Suicidal thoughts

Papyrus, (prevention of young suicide): helpline and supporting resources papyrus-uk.org/practising-self-care-during-times-o.../

The Stay Alive App: An app for those at risk of suicide and those worried about someone www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-hel.../stay-alive-app/

address

Luton campus & other campuses
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Luton campus
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24/7 SiD Online (student login)

email

Student Information Desk
sid@beds.ac.uk

telephone

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