#1in4 (You’re Not Alone) is RUSU’s campaign to tackle the mental health crisis many students suffer from whilst at university.

It can be a very difficult and confusing time when you’re struggling with your mental health, particularly with the portrayal of mental health in the media. We want all students at Reading to know that you’re alone.

What does 'mental health' actually mean?

Often, people associate the term ‘mental health’ with having a mental illness. A mental health charity, Mind, offer a really good explanation of what mental health means:

"In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it."

Episode 2 of this miniseries of podcasts focuses on alcohol awareness and the link between alcohol & mental wellbeing.

In this episode, Gemma King, RUSU Welfare Officer introduces the University’s new ‘Be a Mate’ alcohol awareness campaign with pharmacist Dr Ranjita Dhital; chats to Rugby Union player Morgan about the misconceptions of rugby and drinking; and finds out more about the R U Not Drinking Society.

Useful links:

Be A Mate – University of Reading & RUSU alcohol awareness: www.reading.ac.uk/be-a-mate

The University of Reading Student Welfare Team: www.reading.ac.uk/welfare-team

The University of Reading Counselling & Wellbeing service: www.reading.ac.uk/cou/counselling

Talking Therapies Berkshire: www.talkingtherapies.berkshire.nhs.uk/

Samaritans: www.samaritans.org/