5 ways to look after your mental health as a student

Student life can be great, but it can also be overwhelming for a lot of different reasons. You might feel lonely or you might feel anxious or stressed during busy uni periods. We’re here to remind you that it's okay to not be okay, and there are ways to help yourself feel better and places to turn to when you need it.

It’s World Mental Health Day, so here are some ways to help you look after your mental health.

1. Connect with others

Whenever you are going through a low period, it might feel scary to open up to a friend, but chatting can really help. There are also different ways of connecting with people. For instance, if you are coming to terms with your sexuality and are struggling, joining a society that champions the LGBTQ+ community might help you connect with others who feel the same. Although social media gets a bad rep, it can also help you find online communities of like-minded people to help you know that you’re not struggling alone, whether it’s a writing community, activist group or just people who have similar interests.

2. Monitor what you consume

It’s scientifically proven that what you consume affects your mood. So if you’re constantly comparing your uni experience to others on Insta and TikTok, or if you keep checking the news only to receive negative updates, it all has an impact. Make sure you spend time away from overloading your brain with info, especially after a full day of lectures.

3. Find your own coping mechanisms

Have you ever read something about how something like meditating will help you, but you just can’t get into it? That doesn’t mean you’re beyond help. Everyone is different and you just need to find ways that help you manage. For some people, journaling is a great way to help with their anxiety, whereas others find that going for a run helps them to feel better. Mental health is complicated and no coping mechanism will work for everyone, so keep going until you find what works for you.

Check out these helpful coping strategies from Papyrus for trying to cope with overwhelming feelings and emotions:

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4. Look after the basics first

This might sound a bit obvious, but your mood and mental health is intrinsically linked to what you eat and how much you’re sleeping. Once one of these is out of balance, it is likely your mind will be too, so ensure you take time to prepare good, healthy meals and get as much sleep as you know you need, even if everything else seems too much.

5. Make use of services available to you

There are so many services than you think available to you as a student, depending on your needs. We recommend that you seek support either through your GP, your university counselling service or through an advice centre, both of which you can find details on through your university website. Many people find counselling and therapy helpful when trying to improve their mental health—with UNiDAYS, you can get 75% Off your first month of Better Help.

There are also other options available should you need immediate or online support:

Papyrus

Papyrus is a suicide prevention charity. If you’re having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be, contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.

Call: 0800 068 4141

Text: 88247

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

The Mix

The Mix’s crisis messenger text service provides a free, 24/7 crisis support; to contact them, text THEMIX to 85258.

Samaritans

For immediate assistance, call 116 123 for free from any phone, at any time.

CALM

Call the suicide prevention helpline on 0800 58 58 58.

Shout

Shout is a free, confidential messaging service. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 at any time.

Nightline

Student volunteers offer a listening service for students every night of term via the phone, instant messaging, text and in-person.

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