Going into your first year of university can be nerve-wracking. Will you enjoy your course? Will you like your flatmates? How will you cope with moving away from home? And returning to university comes with its own challenges, whether you’re in your second year or final year. So, what can you do when you feel like your mental health is struggling?
One of the first things to remember is that you are never alone, and there are so many people who will feel the same way as you, whether they vocalise it or not. University can be isolating, even at the best of times, and it’s important to keep in contact and speak to your loved ones, friends and family. Tell them how you feel and let them help you when you’re feeling low.
Another important factor when looking after your mental well-being is to look after your physical well-being. Eating properly and exercising (even just walking to and from lectures or to the shops) can significantly improve how you feel. Try to maintain a balanced diet, as well as eat enough to sustain yourself throughout the day.
Going to university can also come with a lot of change, so continuing your hobbies and lifestyle can be a great way to create stability. Sports societies are a great way to socialise with people who share the same interests as you, whether you’ve been playing football for years or you’ve never played a game in your life, or perhaps you have a different hobby like art or writing. There are societies for everything and everyone at university.
Don’t be afraid to say no as well! If you don’t want to go to that bar crawl, or you’re not feeling up to clubbing that weekend, don’t do it. You should never pressure yourself into doing things you don’t want to, ‘just because your flatmates are going’. In fact, over-consumption of alcohol can make you feel worse, so you should never feel like you’re not living the 'university experience' if you don’t want to go out every weekend.
There are so many support systems, within and outside of the university community. Within The University of Sheffield, there is the Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service which can be found on the university website. The Sheffield Mental Health website is also a great way to find local support outside of the university. If you find that your mental health is affecting your studies, the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service can help to support your learning needs around your mental health.
If you need more immediate help, The Samaritans are available to call on 116 123, at any time of day.
For more information on tools to support your mental health at university, click here.
Edited by Faith Suronku-Lindsay