How to deal with your mental health at Uni?

Your university years can be some of the greatest years of your life. I mean, what more can you ask for than a cold beer at your nearest spoons and a completely new dating pool?

However, they can also be full of stress and loneliness as you learn to navigate the adult world on your own. Transitioning from the comfort of your childhood home to a whole new world can certainly present a challenge, sometimes even causing issues like stress, depression, and loneliness.

The truth is, many uni students are struggling with their mental health. Uni students are often faced with many challenges like financial woes, burnout, and money issues. As more students gain the courage to talk about the mental health challenges they are facing, the statistics have become quite frightening.

According to a 2020 report by Randstad, 37% of UK students are experiencing a decline in their mental health since beginning their pursuit of higher education. That is a staggering amount.

Uni is just not set up to properly care for its students. With so many deadlines, expenses, and personal issues to deal with, it is no wonder so many students are struggling.

Uni can be a truly great time. Everybody wants to use these years to build memories that last a lifetime. However, when your mental health is struggling, each new memory can grow tainted by negative emotions, stress, and a desire to sit in your bed and binge Netflix all day every day.

When your mental health is struggling, the first thing you need to consider is whether you just need a break. Yes, I know. You are probably staring at your screen wide-eyed thinking, “Yeah. There’s no way that’s happening with exam season fast approaching.”

I’m going to share a secret with you, though. A burnt-out brain won’t be able to offer you much help on exams if you don’t give it a chance to recuperate. So, try to find a time when you can just give yourself a break. Your brain- and grades- will thank you for it.

There is one thing you can do every day for just a few minutes to boost your mood, improve your cognitive functioning, and spend the rest of your day feeling great. That one thing is to exercise. Exercise is a great way to boost your endorphins, leaving you feeling happier and healthier.

While we are on the topic of taking care of our bodies, don’t fall too deep into the habit of eating fast food for dinner. Prepare some delicious and nutritious foods to fuel your body and mind. You’re not you when you’re hungry. As a matter of fact, food also has a huge impact on your moods and cognitive functioning.

If you feel as though your mental health is truly struggling while at uni, know that you are not alone. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is talk to someone about the things you are feeling.

If your mental health struggles are beginning to take a toll on your enjoyment of life, consider talking to a mental health professional. There is no shame in feeling unwell. Just like our bodies need the help of a doctor, sometimes our minds do, as well.