Mental Health Hub
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are in urgent need of support please visit student services.
Resources categorised into three sections based on career journey:
Preparing for work
How to manage job application stress and build resilience
Burnout, anxiety, and stress are familiar feelings amongst university students, all of which can negatively impact the way you function in your daily life. For support with how you are feeling:
- Book on to our regular ‘How to manage stress’ workshop via our events page.
- Watch our on demand ‘How to manage job application stress and build resilience’ webinar.
How to build Career Confidence
At times you may lack confidence which can make it hard to recognise your skills and strengths and impact on your ability to bounce-back from challenging situations.
- Book on to our regular ‘Career confidence’ or ‘Presenting with impact’ workshop via our events page to develop your confidence through a variety of activities.
- Watch our on demand ‘How to build Career Confidence’.
Building your confidence with Lincoln Award
We also offer a Confidence training package which counts as the 30 points you need to complete your Lincoln Award. Take a look at our Lincoln Award webpage to find out more.
We can help you to identify and work through any challenges to enable you to move forward towards your goals. Book an appointment by clicking the button below or email careers@lincoln.ac.uk for support.
Applying for work
Disability and mental health support
Learning about your rights during recruitment and how can you access the relevant support can help you to navigate job applications and interviews successfully.
- Book on to our regular ‘How to talk to an employer about a disability or mental health condition’ workshop via our events page to understand how and when you can ask for support and begin to consider the type of reasonable adjustments that might help you.
- Watch our on demand ‘How, When and Why to talk to an employer about a health condition, mental health condition or disability’.
- Read the career guides from MyPlus Student Club which explain how and why they recommend being open about disabilities at work.
Wellbeing during your job search
Building self-care in to your job search will help you to navigate setbacks.
- Watch tips from Enterprise Rent-a-Car on how to stay resilient whilst job searching.
- Read the dedicated resource for graduates from Youth Employment UK who give practical advice to maintain your wellbeing whilst job searching.
Transition into work
Mental Health in the Workplace
- Watch our on demand ‘Depression and your career’ webinar which provides advice on how to spot the signs of and manage depression throughout your career.
- Read this article from Mind on how to stay mentally health at work and prepare to take on any challenges you face with this career path resource from The Mix.
Access to Work
- Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your need and includes advice about managing your mental health at work. Apply now via gov.uk
- For one to one careers support and additional advice please visit our online support tool.
Tips for prioritising your wellbeing
- Focus on self-care: Make time to get proper rest, eat good food and enjoy some exercise or hobbies in between job applications. These can be easily impacted when we are feeling stressed about our career plans, but it’s an essential part of maintaining mental health.
- Seek support: Remember, you aren’t alone in your career planning. We have a professional team of advisors who are here to help with every step of your career planning.
- Plan ahead: Reduce overwhelm by planning as much as possible in advance. This will help you balance your time so you’re not rushing and prioritising self-care.
Mental Health and Career Planning
Tips for prioritising your wellbeing
Leaving University/Post-Graduate Life
Leaving University/Post-Graduate Life
Transitioning from university can bring uncertainty, common challenges include:
- Loss of structure – Adjusting to independent life after university
- Career uncertainty- Pressure to secure employment
- Financial stress- Managing expenses and student loan repayments
- Social isolation- Losing connections with peers
You’re not alone in this transition- resources are available to help you succeed!
Available Support for Graduates
- Career Coaching & Graduate Support- Guidance for up to 2 years post-graduation. Link: University Of Lincoln Career Guidance Website
- Financial Advice & Assistance – Budgeting tips and loan repayment information. Link: University Of Lincoln Financial Support Website
- Alumni Network & Lincoln Connect- Mentorship and networking opportunities.
- University Wellbeing Support- Counselling and mental health support.
Examples Mental Health Conditions & Possible Impacts on Career Planning
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Can cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety, making it difficult to focus on career goals, attend job interviews, or maintain consistent employment.
- Depression- Characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation, leading to difficulties in decision-making, concentration and maintaining momentum in career planning.
- Anxiety- Often manifests as excessive worry and stress, impacting confidence in networking, presenting oneself at interviews, and managing work-related responsibilities.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Marked by intense emotional fluctuations, impulsive behaviours, and struggles in maintaining workplace relationships.
Resources to accommodate career pathways
Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward finding career pathways that accommodate personal well-being.
Support Services Available:
- Samaritans– Talk to someone about how you are feeling. You can call freephone on 116 123
- Shout– Get 24/7 help from a team of Crisis Volunteers by texting 85258
- Student Wellbeing Centre– contactable in person or remotely during office hours, including via this self-referral form.
- Mind– Link: mind.org.uk/
- Careers & Employability – For careers guidance and support.
Cost of Living Support
Cost increases are affecting everyone and we know you may be feeling anxious how this will affect you. The University of Lincoln and the Students’ Union have created this Cost of Living Hub to bring together information and advice on how to help you manage your finances and what support is available if you’re struggling.
Welfare Benefits
Typically, those who study full-time can’t claim welfare benefits; however, there are exceptions, and it’s relevant that if you receive benefits, you’re aware of all you can claim. Part-time study is often an overlooked option for those with health or caring responsibilities, as they need access to a broader range of support. Still, part-time students can also access the benefits system during their studies, allowing them to maintain a better balance of responsibilities with support.
The main groups of full-time students who can claim benefits while studying are:
- People with disabilities or long-term health conditions
- People with children
Student Support and Advice Centre
Useful for prospective students wanting clarification on how it will affect their existing benefit claims and newly enrolled students who wish to check that their student income has been adequately taken into account by the Jobcentre or local authority.
The process of claiming disability benefits can be complicated, so we are happy to assist with the application forms and gather evidence in support of claims. If the claim isn’t successful, we can also help with reconsiderations and appeals.We’re not usually able to represent people at Social Security Appeal Tribunals because of resources. Still, we will do all we can to help a claimant (and their family or friends if appropriate) prepare for appearing in front of a Tribunal.
If we’re unable to assist throughout the claim (e.g., because the claimant has completed their studies), we can refer them to specialist help in their local area.
Full-time students become eligible for benefits at the end of their studies. Final year undergraduates often think that they remain students over the summer, but they are entitled to benefits as soon as the course ends. Even if they don’t have their results, or they have resits, or they are continuing to postgraduate study.
Many lose out on financial help that they’re entitled to during this time. The Student Support and Advice Centre can explain this further, so you know what happens after you finish your course and what you may be entitled to claim.