University Mental Health Day
On 12th March, we come together to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing of students at university.
University Mental Health Day is a chance to bring students, staff and the wider community together to talk about mental health, challenge stigma and promote wellbeing. This year, the theme is focused on ‘human connection’.
University life can be rewarding but it can also be overwhelming. From coursework deadlines to financial worries, many students experience stress, anxiety and burnout at some point while at university. This day is an opportunity to reflect, learn and take practical steps to prioritise mental health and support one another.
Often times when you are struggling with your mental health, it can feel like you are the only person who is going through it. However, studies show in Scotland one in four students experience a mental health problem during their first year of university. Opening up about how you are feeling can be scary, but leaning on trusted relationships in your life can help you manage the emotional weight on your shoulders and help you begin to take steps to look after your wellbeing.
For more details on how you can get involved in this year’s #UniMentalHealthDay, visit the campaign’s official website hosted by Student Minds.
Why student mental health matters
The combination of academic pressures, living away from home for the first time, and navigating new friendships and relationships can be a lot to juggle and can take a toll on your mental health.
- Some of the most common mental health conditions students face are depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Around 37% of students experience symptoms of either depression or anxiety.
- 52% experienced poor sleep including trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
- 78% of students attributed their mental health difficulties either partially or fully to financial worries.
- Almost one in five students reported having suicidal thoughts and feelings.
If these mental health challenges are affecting you, you might find it helpful to talk to a GP or wellbeing support within your university.
“Day-to-day life as a student can be tough anyway. For a lot of students, it is their first time living independently away from home and the support of their families. Students have to manage their money, studies, a job, keep themselves alive and balance a social life and their mental wellbeing, which can be a difficult task on its own, never mind having just left home and having to figure it all out.”
“It can be an extremely overwhelming time at the best of times, but especially in this current political and financial climate.”
The Dundee University Yoga Society shared with us the main obstacles students face in accessing mental health support and how they can be addressed with appropriate support and guidance towards services. Read more here.
Practical tips for managing loneliness as a student
Did you know that 92% of students feel lonely or isolated at some point while at university? While a common experience for many, it doesn’t diminish the impact loneliness can have on your mental health. Building meaningful relationships can help you through your most difficult days and make the good days even better. Below are some tips to help you cope:
1. Join a club or society
Maybe there’s a new sport you’ve always been curious about but never tried, a skill you’d like to learn or you have a hobby you want to share with others. Whatever your situation, joining societies is a great way to explore new activities while also giving you the chance to develop meaningful friendships and connections with likeminded people you otherwise wouldn’t have met.
2. Reach out to your university’s student services
If your mental health and your studies are being impacted by feelings of loneliness, your university’s wellbeing service may be able to offer you advice and support for your situation.
3. Call your friends and family
Homesickness is a common experience for students, especially if you have travelled a long distance to attend your university. Having frequent calls or videochats with friends and family you miss back home can offer a sense of comfort when you feel alone. However, be mindful you aren’t relying on this to avoid meeting new people, as building new friendships can help you feel more at home in your new environment.
4. Take small steps
Having a small goal, such as saying “hello” to the person next to you in a lecture, can feel less daunting than approaching a large group of people. These small interactions can help build your confidence in talking to new people, and chances are the other person may also be feeling lonely and appreciates the friendly gesture.
5. Be kind to yourself
Starting university is a huge life transition, so it’s normal for your mind to feel a bit all over the place until you are settled and find your footing. Be kind to yourself by engaging in self-care practices that make you feel good, treat yourself with empathy by using positive self-talk, eat balanced meals and prioritise daily movement. These habits can help you feel more grounded and help you adjust to your life at university.
For more information and advice for managing your mental health while at university, visit our page on student mental health.
You can request flyers and support information cards from us to distribute around seating areas on campus and pin them on community noticeboards. With your help, we can ensure that every student knows they can turn to us and other organisations for support.
University Mental Health Day isn’t just about awareness. it’s also about taking steps to care for your own mental wellbeing.
- Prioritise sleep for better focus and wellbeing
Going to bed at the same time each night, avoiding screens before bed and creating a relaxing evening routine can improve sleep quality, helping with focus, memory and mood.
- Manage stress with small, sustainable habits
Breaking study sessions into short, focused periods, practising breathing exercises (or mindfulness) and making time for things you enjoy can help you feel more in control.
- Build a strong support network
Reaching out to university wellbeing services, joining student groups or simply checking in with a friend can help you feel less alone, boost your mood and help you feel a sense of belonging.
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Find out more about easyfundraising and sign up today!
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
