Students offered mental health support by text ahead of exam results
Young people who are feeling stressed or anxious during this period can text the word SUSSEX to 85258 to be connected to a qualified mental health professional for a real-time text-based conversation and mental health support. After receiving an automated text from the service, the aim is that all texters will be connected to a mental health professional within 15 minutes. In the past year (1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025), more than 18000 text-based conversations with people from Sussex have taken place via the mobile phone-based app, which is popular with teenagers and young adults. Low mood or sadness, suicidal thoughts and stress or worry are the three most commons reasons why people contact the service. Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Waiting for and receiving exam results can be an anxious time for young people. It's normal to feel some anxiety but if those feelings are becoming overwhelming, it's important to seek help." Signs of extreme stress or anxiety include:
Advice on dealing with stress and anxiety:
Text SUSSEX to 85258, which is delivered through the national text messaging service Shout, is part of a wider programme, led by health and care partners in Sussex, to make it easier for people who live and work in the county to access services to get help with their mental health. Find out about other ways you can get help with your mental health. |