Helping Students Take Care Of Their Mental Health

Stress and anxiety

Students face so many worries in relation to money from bills, next years accommodation, food, drinks, gym memberships, car costs, mobile bills, books, stationary, taxis, clothes, shoes... all add up.?

Add in that these next few terms are all focussed on assignments and end of year exams.

Or maybe you're missing home, feel out of place, isolated, worried about money, or your health isn't great.

It's no wonder so many students are feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Statistics show 37% of first-year students surveyed in England at a university have symptoms of depression and anxiety

(Source ONS).

More worryingly is that the statistics above are statistically higher than the general population of those aged 16-29 which is 22 percent, (Source ONS). So it's imperative you look after your mental health and also keep a eye on your friends at uni.?

So what is stress?

Stress is a response to any type of physical, emotional or psychological strain, (Source WHO). Simply put you are finding it hard to cope with all you have to do and think about.

Stress occurs when your perceived demands outweigh your perceived capabilities. Stress is all around us, but it needn't have a detrimental impact on you. The way you respond and react to stress will really make a difference to how you think and feel.?

How do I know if you are stressed?

Do you have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, have racing thoughts, racing heart, noticing a change in eating habits...eating too much or too little and dread waking up? If the answer is yes to any of these you may be experiencing stress.

What's can you do?

There are so many things you can do. First and foremost talk to someone you trust like a friend, dr, course tutor, well-being officer or a helpline.

Don't ever feel like nobody understands, because chances are they have experienced this themselves. Studies show that 3/4 of people have reported being overwhelmed or unable to cop in the last year (2022), source (Mental Health Foundation). These are staggering statistics and it is imperative we all work together to normalise conversations on mental health.?

How do we do that?

A quick and simple way is to enrol on our mental health awareness course, its all online and ca be completed in just a couple of hours.?

What is the course about?

The Mental Health Awareness Course covers the main types of mental ill health along with typical symptoms, relief, and coping strategies.

Course Overview

In this day and age, mental health is widely recognised as a key area for individuals in both their work and their home lives. Along with the stigma around opening up about mental health an awareness of mental health issues can be unknown to many.

So whilst we cannot free everyone from the burdens of life, we can make small steps towards improved knowledge and understanding around mental health.?

Here are some top tips for keeping well:

1. Yoga

Is by far one of the best ways to relax and reduce stress. Just a quick practice a few times a week has the ability to heal mind and body. Yoga improves concentration, mental and physical health, allows you to sleep better and helps reduce blood pressure.?

2. Get active

Physical activity is the most under-utilised medicine there is. Find activities you like and commit to at least 150 mins of moderate intensity each week, (Source NHS). It doesn't have to cost the earth, there are plenty of free things, like a YouTube fitness session, Parkrun, yoga with Adrienne classes (YouTube) or even arrange a walk with your housemates.

3. Mindfullness

Take just take 5 mins each day to notice how you feel, do nothing and just focus on your breath. There are some amazing YouTube guided meditations you can utilise. This will help reduce the feelings of anxiety.?

4. Talk to someone you trust

Take time to talk to someone if you feeling low about how you are feeling, please don't suffer alone.Talking will help you to verbalise how you are feeling inside and allow you to open up about those feelings. This in turn will allow you to seek any help and support you feel you may need.?

5. Drink water

Make a conscious effort to drink at least 2ltrs a day.?The health benefits are vast, but include better hydration, concentration, digestion, focus, increased energy, reduced blood pressure and so many more.

6. Eat well

I know it can be hard to eat well on a budget, but pre planning meals and using up leftovers can really make a difference. Aim for colourful plates of food with a balance of all food groups.?

The Eat well guide on the NHS recommends:

• Base your meals on starchy foods
• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables
• Eat more fish
• Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
• Try to eat less salt- no more than 6g a day
• Get active and try to be a healthy weight
• Drink plenty of water

I know you have heard most of this advice before, but its good to reiterate it as often when we are stressed we can sometimes forget all this good advice.

Good luck with the rest of the year in your studies