Studying at university is an exciting time but it can also bring its own challenges – especially if you are living with a mental health problem.
Mental health problems are experienced by 1 in 4 students at one time or another. From dealing with stress to anxiety and depression, it is important to know you are not alone in facing these difficulties and there are ways to help manage.
We want to help you make the most of your time at LCC and cope with the demands of your course to the best of your ability, so we’ve put together 7 ways to help yourself manage, or care for someone, living with mental health issues whilst at university…
Words by Jyoti Mann
It is common to have negative thoughts and self-beliefs when experiencing anxiety and depression. Positive affirmations can help to counteract those beliefs and retrain the subconscious into a more positive form. Write a list of 10 positive affirmations and say them aloud, or in your head, each morning. These will gradually improve your self-esteem, build up your confidence, and help manage in situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Here’s an example list to get you started…
Here’s a link to some more by Huffington Post for some inspiration.
Deep breathing is highly beneficial in helping to manage anxiety and stress. More often than not, when a person experiences anxiety their heart rate rapidly increases, causing them to feel a loss of control and lack of focus. Deep breathing exercises can help to ground yourself in the moment, leaving you feeling centred and back in the driver’s seat. Here’s one deep breathing exercise that you can practice for as little or long as you need. The ‘5’ breathing exercise – you don’t need to find a quiet space for this one…
Try out other breathing exercises by Calm Clinic and find one that best suits you.
At the height of anxiety, it is common to feel like the inner critic in your mind is on a megaphone, causing you to lose sight of what is actually going on around you. This ‘senses’ mindfulness exercise can help to bring your attention to the present moment and silence the voice that keeps trying to convince you there’s danger lurking.
Check out some of the resources from Mindfulness for Students here.
Physical activity is known for having significant effects on the mind and body, significantly improving the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Try going for a walk to the local park and be amongst nature, without using your phone whilst there. Practice the ‘senses’ and ‘5’ breathing exercise whilst there and enjoy some quiet time to yourself. To ground yourself, try taking off your shoes and walking barefoot on grass.
Have you been to one of Visit London’s best parks? See the full list here.
Reach out and speak to a friend, family member or counsellor or GP. Speaking to a professional to help explore feelings and thoughts can significantly help if you are experiencing difficulties that are impacting your studies, well-being, and day to day responsibilities. LCC offers free, one-to-one, confidential counselling to students on campus, as well as at each UAL College and the Student Centre in High Holborn.
A new initiative has been set up to provide students and staff with invaluable support whilst experiencing a mental health crisis at university. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) network’s service is available to students, staff and visitors during office hours. As well as providing immediate support to people in crisis, volunteers can also be asked for advice and information from colleagues and students who are concerned about their own, or someone else’s mental health. A list of Mental Health First Aiders is kept at the front desk of each campus site. For more information on the mental health services available at the college visit the link here.
Below is a collection of useful websites recommended by UAL to speak to someone and get advice on mental health issues…
Self-care is never selfish – don’t be afraid to turn down a night out to catch up on some well-needed me time. We spend a majority of our days interacting with other people, on the internet, learning and working. It is important to take some down time, free of distraction to contemplate and reflect on recent events. There are a number of self-care activities you can engage in. Here’s a few examples of things you can do…
Here’s a list of some more by Psychology Today.
There are a number of cognitive-behavioural therapy self-help books which offer techniques and exercises that can help with a number of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Here are a few recommendations…
See Overcoming’s comprehensive list of mental health self-help books here.
There are many ways of taking action and getting support with your mental health so please do not hesitate to get in touch with some of the recommended services throughout and below.