Assertiveness means being able to stand up for your own or other people's rights in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive or passively accepting 'wrong'.
Learning how to communicate assertively is a very useful life skill and this article tells you how you can get support with this from the University or via other resources.
It's always advisable to consult your GP if you are feeling persistently low, especially if your daily functioning is affected. You should also let your personal tutor or course leader know if you are having difficulties and these are affecting your studies - they are there to help, and can offer useful advice and support.
The Student Wellbeing Service is available to all students free of charge and is experienced in providing confidential support to students for assertiveness. You may find one or more of our courses and workshops helpful in teaching useful skills to promote your wellbeing.
Useful resources for assertiveness
Get Self Help >
A useful guide to interpersonal effectiveness is available for improving how you communicate your needs, from Get Self Help.
More wellbeing help
Take a look at our other resources and sources of support for help with everything - from issues with alcohol, to healing from trauma.
Contact the Student Wellbeing Service
Access mental health support and guidance from our friendly team of wellbeing advisers, counsellors and advisers:
Or you can contact us via:
- +44 (0)23 9284 3466
- The Bateson Centre, The Mary Rose St, Portsmouth, PO1 2BL
- wellbeing-admin@port.ac.uk
You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Worried about a student? Whether you're a friend, member of University staff, family member or medical professional you can raise a concern so our service can help.