A Practice Development Perspective on Resilience - Tina O’Reilly

I am Practice Development Teacher with Extern working with university students across Northern Ireland. I have the privilege of working closely with students every day. I see their determination, creativity, and passion, but I also see the struggles - the pressure of deadlines, financial worries, loneliness, and the weight of expectations. University is often described as "the best years of your life," but it can be for many students, it’s also an incredibly challenging time filled with up and downs.?

For many students it is first time living on their own leaving their families and friends, an exciting new time filled with new opportunities to grow and explore however it can also be an incredibly lonely environment. ?

At Extern, we believe that no student should be held back by their mental health, however too many students are struggling. Research from Student Minds (Feb 2023) found that:?

• 1 in 4 students have a diagnosed mental health condition.?

• 30% of students say their mental health has worsened since starting university.?

• 1 in 4 students don’t know where to go for mental health support on campus.?

These numbers highlight a real need for change. As educators, mentors, and supporters, we need to do more than just acknowledge these challenges -we need to equip students with the tools to navigate these challenges, offer support and build resilience?

What Is Resilience, and Why Does It Matter??

Resilience isn’t about “toughing it out” or ignoring difficulties. It’s about adapting, coping, and bouncing back from setbacks. It’s about developing mechanisms to handle stress, uncertainty, and change – these skills that are just as important as academic success.?

While resilience looks different for everyone, to mark University Mental Health Day here are some tips and mechanisms to build and maintain resilience as a university student: ?

1. Acknowledge Challenges, but Keep Moving Forward??

It’s okay to struggle. Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about recognising difficulties and finding ways to cope. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as learning experiences. ?

2. Build a Support Network??

Connecting and reaching out to friends, family, lecturers, or student services can make a huge difference. Seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. If you don’t know where to start, this resource list might help. ?

3. Prioritise Well-being Like You Prioritise Deadlines??

You wouldn’t submit an assignment without doing the work - so why treat your mental health any differently? Prioritise sleep, nutrition, movement, and downtime. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy mind and body. ?

4. Learn to Manage Stress, Not Just Avoid It??

Stress is a part of life, but how we deal with it makes all the difference. Simple strategies like time management, deep breathing, journaling, spend some time outdoors or talking things out can prevent stress from becoming overwhelming.??

5. Be Kind to Yourself??

University comes with ups and downs. Sometimes you’ll succeed, and other times, things won’t go to plan, and ?plan. And that’s okay. Self-compassion is key to resilience - treat yourself with the same kindness you would a friend going through a tough time.?

You’re Not Alone?

I’ve seen first-hand how resilience is not about avoiding struggles, but about learning to navigate them, step by step. It’s about growth, adaptation, and support. And most importantly, it's a journey of life and you don’t have to do it alone.?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that help is always available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you - it’s okay to ask for support. And if you're already working on building your resilience, keep going! Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. ?