Staying well, both physically and mentally, is a critical part of successful student life. While it might be more challenging than usual now for some of you, now is the time to reach out for support. We have support available for all international students – no matter where they are. On this page, you will find resources which are desgined to help you with your mental health and physical health during these unprecedented times.
Crisis Support
If students require immediate/crisis support, they should take note of the following services:
- Crisis Text Line: Text 50808 is a 24/7 Crisis Text Line where you can engage via text with a trained volunteer – text 'UL' to 50808. For more information on 50808, see https://text50808.ie/
- Shannondoc: 1850 212 999
- A&E department for mental health crisis: 061 301 111
- The Samaritans: (Free-call) 116 123
- AWARE: 1890 303 302
- Pieta House: 1800 247 247 or text 'help' to 51444
- Rape Crisis: 1800 311 511 (Limerick) or 1800 77 8888 (Nationwide); www.rapecrisishelp.ie
- Suicide bereavement support via Pieta House Suicide Bereavement Service: 1800 247 247 ; suicidesupportandinformation.ie
Should a student feel at risk/suicidal and do not feel that they can keep themselves safe, they need to contact the crisis liaison mental health team at the University Hospital Limerick (061 301111)/their local hospital, or their GP immediately.
Minding your Mental Health
HSE
The Health Service Executive provides lots of helpful resources on Mental Health which you can avail of should you feel the need.
Additionally, the HSE have recently made available a freely accessible, video-based mental wellbeing programme called Minding Your Wellbeing.
This evidence-based programme provides a unique opportunity for people to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience.
Mindfulness
Making mindfulness a daily routine can help fight the stress that student life brings. It gives opportunities to relieve pressure, improve memory, and focus.
Why not try out some of the following Mindfulness apps:
- Headspace
- CalmAura
- Stop, Breathe & Think
- Insight Time
The UL Counselling Service website has some great self-help resources for managing your mental health
Keeping Active
Podcasts
Whether it's a podcast on History or Sport, Music or Film, or even a funny comedy, the The Irish Times have put together a list of the 50 best podcasts to listen to right now:
UL Global Spotify
Need motivation to study or workout? Want to learn more about Irish music? Head to our new Spotify profile to listen!
Our playlist 'Hit the Books' has been created by International students to keep you motivated - check it out now.
UL Student Life created a virtual 'Get Away Zone' to help students relax and forget about the news and study