Physical health
Health and wellbeing
You should always consult your GP if you are worried about your health – a medical doctor will aim to diagnose your health problem and ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Let them know if you are feeling persistently low as a result of your physical health issues, or if your difficulties are affecting your daily functioning beyond the expected symptoms.
It's always advisable to let your personal tutor or course leader know if you are having difficulties affecting your studies – they are there to help, and can offer useful advice and support. They can also advise if you are able to get additional support with your studies, via the Additional Support and Disability Advice Service (ASDAC).
Other support and resources are listed below.
Library books
The following books available from the University library may be useful:
- Broome, A & Jellicoe, H - Living with your Pain - 616.0472/BRO
- Chalder, T - Overcoming Chronic Fatigue - 616.0478/CHA
- Cole, F - Overcoming Chronic Pain - 152.1824/COL
Other resources
If you would like to research more around the topic of managing physical health problems, the Student Wellbeing Service can recommend the following self-help resources:
Tiredness
Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet with information on problematic tiredness, possible causes, and ways to beat it. Includes information on chronic fatigue syndrome.
Action for M.E.
Charity providing information and support for people with M.E./Chronic Fatigue and their carers. Includes a support line, forums, tips for self-help and information about other treatments and support groups.
Fatigue Fighter
Free self-help site for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), offering a 5-part online CBT-based programme that may also be useful for people with general fatigue or fibromyalgia.
Physical Illness and Mental Health
Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet detailing the possible emotional effects of having a serious physical illness and the factors that might make people more likely to become anxious or depressed.
Pain Relief Foundation
An educational charity with a website containing useful information on chronic pain and its management, including medications and psychological treatments.
BackCare
National charity which aims to reduce the impact of back pain. Includes information on causes, prevention, treatments, and services including local support groups, and offers a helpline.
Other self-help resources
Take a look at our other self-help resources.