University Mental Health Day
On 13th March, we come together to raise awareness about mental health within the university community.
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.
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. This day is an opportunity to reflect, learn and take practical steps to prioritise mental health and support one another.
Why student mental health matters?
According to last year’s reports from StudentMinds and Cibyl, mental health is one of the major concerns of students in the UK and should continue to be a primary focus of support services.
- 57% of students reported feeling tired frequently in the past 12 months.
- Over half of students admitted to persistent negative thinking about the future.
- 42% of students said they had experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings.
- 7 in 10 students attributed their mental health difficulties either partially or fully to financial worries.
- 56% experienced sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Some of the most common mental health conditions being experienced by students are depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
“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.
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 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 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 reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of connection.
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Find out more about easyfundraising and sign up today!
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
