Dealing with Mental Health at University

University can be a stressful time in your life, especially with all the academic and life pressures that you might face. Mental health problems are largely common amongst the student population, with one in four students being diagnosed with a mental health condition. If you feel like you are struggling with student life, it’s important to remember to talk about it with your friends and family.

Don’t forget that we’re always around for a chat at our Advice Centre and here to support you. That being said, as part of Mental Health Awareness week and the #HealthyU campaign, we’ve compiled our top tips in how to deal with mental health at University.

Speak to your lecturers

I know what you’re thinking, it’s a pretty daunting idea. Speaking about your mental health to anyone, let alone a complete stranger, is a scary prospect.

But trust us, your lecturers are among the most understanding and sympathetic people on campus that will understand your issues.

In addition to that, by talking to them, you can discuss solutions on how to relieve you from university work stress. This can be anything from deadline extensions to extra materials to give you help.

Don’t force yourself to attend nights out

Late night socialising is often thought to be a fundamental part of student life, but this is far from the case.

For some people, active socialising, loud music and crowds of people on a dance floor is a thing that they thrive in. For others, it might be a gruelling test of anxiety and can be perceived as an awful experience.

There are loads of other ways you can bond with other people on campus without forcing yourself to attend a night out, from a quiet drink at The Packhorse to all the non-alcoholic Give It A Go events running every term.

While it’s important to come out your comfort zone, don’t force yourself in situations you’re not comfortable with. You can do it in your own time when you feel confident and ready to do so.

Make a plan to reassure yourself

Adding a bit of structure to your day and making ‘to do’ lists is massively reassuring, especially with the overwhelming moments when you feel like you have too much to do in one day.

It gives you something to fall back on if you get lost with what you need to get done. Just make sure you don’t pile too much into one day. Giving plenty of time to do a task will help ease more pressure in case something unexpected pops up.

Give yourself time to take a break and chill

Although this sounds very simple, it’s astonishing how many students forget to relax. Make time for your hobbies and favourite projects.

Whether it’s watching your favourite series, learning to play an instrument or getting active with exercise, keeping yourself busy with hobbies is a great outlet for the harder days you might experience.

Break up the monotony

Having a routine does make us more efficient and can make us feel much more secure and safe. However, little changes of pace on your daily schedule can help make it exciting and perk it up.

This could be anything from changing your jogging route, to a spontaneous trip with your friends to a new restaurant. A little spontaneity doesn’t hurt anyone, it makes for a good story in the future.

Get help when you need it

Seeking help is a sign of strength – not a weakness. Recognising that your mental health is suffering shows that you’re courageous enough to accept and face the hard experiences you are dealing with.

Seeking help can be anything from talking to a close friend or/and family member to acquiring treatment from a professional.

Getting the appropriate treatment early from professionals ensures that you’ve started the road to recovery the right way.

That summarizes all of our top tips on dealing with your mental health at university. Remember you can speak to an advisor at the Advice Centre by booking an appointment by email or at the Union Helpdesk. You can also find out more about services that the College offer on the student intranet.