Your mental health at university

If you are struggling with a severe mental illness, you need to seek psychiatric treatment from mental health services. You can find your local service with a quick Google search. If you are in crisis, call 999 or find a helpline through: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines/ Student struggles Starting a new chapter of your life is hard. Moving to a new home, being surrounded by strangers, being in a potentially very different environment than what you are used to; it can be daunting and lead to isolation, which then causes mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. For people already struggling with mental illness before coming to university, the added stress can be detrimental. Mental health stigma Nationally, there is a huge stigma around mental health, and though in recent years the conversation has progressed, society is still nowhere near as understanding as it should be. One in four adults experience some level of mental illness, and those who don’t are likely to know someone who does. The biggest issue around the stigma of mental health conversations is the ignorance, and the fear that people will look at you differently. A lot of people who have never experienced mental health problems are unable to understand the impact it has on an individual, and the people around them. The importance of talking about mental health The rates of mental illness are rising every year, partly due to the fact that more people are becoming familiar with the symptoms of illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others. A person who can recognise the symptoms of mental illness is more likely to seek support when they experience those symptoms themselves. So, talking about mental health, having open and honest discussions with peers, friends, and family, means that more people can be made aware of the symptoms and impacts – and they can better identify the need for support. Reducing the stigma Mental illnesses are not so different from physical illnesses. They have very real, serious impacts, just like a broken leg or sprained wrist – but no one would shame a person who broke their leg, or tell them that it would be healed if they got some rest or took some vitamins. ‘Speaking out’ about mental illnesses doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone you meet that you have depression or anxiety. Diagnoses of mental illness can be daunting, and are very personal. To reduce the stigma, there needs to be more honest conversations about mental health and how many people it effects. Simple ways to ease the impact of your mental illness There are many tips and tricks to lessen the impact your mental illness has on you. The most common is to go for a walk, as exercising causes the release of endorphins – the body’s natural painkiller and mood elevator. However, when you are struggling with mental illness, it can be difficult to push yourself to exercise, and these tips may be useful instead: • Spend time with loved ones. You don’t have to talk, but being near someone can make you feel less alone. Try not to isolate yourself from your life.

• Shower or brush your teeth. These tasks can feel huge, but feeling clean can have a positive effect on your mental health.

• Do something you usually enjoy. Episodes of low mental health can result in a lack of enjoyment in things you usually love, but it's important to try to bring excitement into low moods.

• Read a book or listen to music. Losing yourself in a story or music can make you feel less alone, and distract you from the situation at hand.

• Eat something healthy. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in the health of your brain, especially vitamin C, D, and B.

• Take your medication. During periods of low mood, it can be easy to let your routine slip, but it's so important to take your prescribed medication, especially if it's intended to help your mental health.

• Give yourself some grace. Being self-deprecating during periods of low mood will only make you feel worse, so instead, try to be kind to yourself. Imagine you are talking to your younger self: would you be so hard on them? Seeking support at university If you are struggling with your mental health and want support from the university, you can contact the Wellbeing Services, who can offer you 1:1 counselling, support groups, and workshops. You can also access 24/7 online wellbeing support with Togetherall by using your University email address.