{"id":1469,"date":"2018-02-27T16:10:27","date_gmt":"2018-02-27T16:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/copyright.lboro.ac.uk\/life\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2018-10-10T08:34:52","modified_gmt":"2018-10-10T07:34:52","slug":"university-mental-health-day-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/life\/advice\/university-mental-health-day-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Top tips for mental health from Loughborough students and staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

With\u00a075% of all mental health difficulties developing by the mid-20s and\u00a019% of 16\u201324 year olds in England experiencing mental health conditions, it’s important to create a healthy community so our students can thrive during their time at Loughborough.<\/p>\n

We’ve asked current student Hannah,\u00a0Communications Officer for HeadsUp!<\/a>, and Charlotte, a Mental Health Adviser for the University’s Counselling and Disability Service<\/a>, to provide their top tips for looking after your mental health at University.<\/p>\n

Mental health at University at a glance<\/h3>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em>\u00a0University can be a stressful time for everyone (being honest, that\u2019s an understatement). However, when you\u2019re living with a mental health condition, some days the uphill struggle can seem like a never-ending mountain to climb. Stress can impact your mental health more than anything else, and if not managed correctly, can lead to serious burnout and sickness.<\/p>\n

Working for HeadsUp! this year, I\u2019ve learned the best way to manage stress is to tackle situations head-on. I set goals immediately and then begin to slowly work toward completing them, one bit at a time.<\/p>\n

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What Charlotte says:<\/em>\u00a0Mental wellbeing means feeling good \u2013 about ourselves and the world around us \u2013 and functioning well. This does not mean that we will never face difficult situations or feelings, but means that we have the tools to cope when things are more difficult. Mental wellbeing requires some attention, just like our physical wellbeing.<\/p>\n

When feeling low in mood or anxious it can be easy to stop doing things we would normally do. It is important however at these times to try to keep doing the things which are necessary to maintain a daily balance. This includes keeping a routine for sleeping, eating, exercising and socialising.<\/p>\n

Top tips for tip-top mental health<\/h3>\n

1. Invest time in yourself<\/h4>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em> My first tip would be to have some sort of balance in your life. This can be between work, socialising, friends and family from home, and going out or staying in for some time alone. Basically, do whatever makes you happy. You don\u2019t have to conform to any sort of social pressure or what you think you should be like at university. Have a night out and then balance it with a sober film and pizza night.<\/p>\n

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2. Be active<\/h4>\n

What Charlotte says:<\/em>\u00a0Exercise has been proven to help improve mood and brain function. You don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.<\/p>\n

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3. Don’t neglect your social life<\/h4>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em> As well as your physical and mental wellbeing, social wellbeing is important too. Joining a society for one of your interests is a place where you will immediately have something in common with others. This will help you settle in with ease. A society<\/a> can also give you the feeling of family within university that can help you if you experience loneliness.<\/p>\n

What Charlotte says:<\/em>\u00a0Connecting with the people around you – your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours – has been shown to really help maintain your mental wellbeing. Spend time developing these relationships!<\/p>\n

4. Sleep<\/h4>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em> You can find yourself getting into quite an irregular sleeping pattern at university. From all-nighters in the library, rolling into bed at 3 a.m. only to drag yourself back out for a 9 a.m., or staying up for \u201cjust one more episode,\u201d you can start to deteriorate into a zombie after a while.\u00a0You\u2019ll find that you\u2019re unable to be your most productive self, and things you enjoy doing will suffer.<\/p>\n

Aim for at least eight hours a night so you feel mentally refreshed, healthier and happier.<\/p>\n

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5. Mindfulness<\/h4>\n

What Charlotte says:<\/em>\u00a0Be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.<\/p>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em> The main mistake I made in my first year was that I came to university with unrealistic expectations. It\u2019s easy when you look at pictures on social media and listen to other people\u2019s stories, especially when people tell you that these will be the best few years of your life. They may be and probably will be.<\/p>\n

Just don\u2019t have idealised views as you\u2019ll spoil the experience for yourself. Start with no expectations, that way everything is a positive! So next time you\u2019re Instagram stalking your friends from home who look like they\u2019re out every evening with a bigger social circle than you, just remember that all may not be as it seems.<\/p>\n

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6. Give something back<\/h4>\n

What Charlotte says:<\/em> Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering<\/a>, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.<\/p>\n

7. Don\u2019t pile on the pressure<\/h4>\n

What Hannah says:<\/em> Finally, here is one that I really need to adhere to. We can all stress ourselves out sometimes, especially during exam and assessment periods. Late night cramming sessions and countless energy drinks are not the way to go. Be organised, set a schedule, and don\u2019t put more pressure on yourself than you need to.<\/p>\n

We all want to succeed and achieve the best possible grades and experience from our time at Loughborough; that drive is what makes the Loughborough Family so incredible. But please don\u2019t risk your mental health in exchange for what you believe is the only way to success.<\/p>\n

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Should I ask for help?<\/h3>\n

What Charlotte says:<\/em> Everyone will come across difficult situations at some point in their lives, or sometimes we just don\u2019t feel good for no obvious reason which can be really frustrating. Whatever the cause, there is help available.<\/p>\n

Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well. It’s common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it’s always ok to ask for help \u2013 even if you’re not sure you are experiencing a specific mental health problem.<\/p>\n

You might want to seek help if you’re:<\/p>\n