How to Look After Your Mental Health at University

Coming to university is an exciting but also nerve-racking time.

There is a lot of change and with so many new experiences and things going on it can become overwhelming, which is why it is so important to make sure you are looking after yourself and your mental health. This blog will go over some top tips for maintaining your mental wellbeing and give you some resources on where to go if you are struggling.

Our Top tips

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep – if you aren't, your levels of anxiety, depression and emotional disturbance will worsen. 

• Keep active - exercise helps to increase endorphin levels which boost your mood. (Try joining a sports club or just go on a walk!) 

• Stay organised and set yourself goals. Using a whiteboard or notebook to plan your week really helps me.

• Make time for yourself. Did someone say self-care era? 

• Get outside to get some fresh air and sun (if there is any in England.) 

• Make time to hang out with friends. Joining a society is a great way to meet/socialise with like-minded people who have similar interests to you.  

• Try to focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Remember the glass is half full, not empty! 

Loneliness and Homesickness

As many as 70% of new students feel homesick within the first few weeks of starting university so try to remember that you are not alone and that these feelings are normal!

No matter how lonely you feel you are never alone there is always someone who wants to listen whether it be a friend, family member or a stranger. You can also always reach out to the University's Wellbeing team who are here to help you.  

These feelings aren't fun so here are some tips on how to cope with them.

• Try to put yourself out there - I know it's hard, but everyone really is in the same boat.

• Try to immerse yourself in university life. This can be daunting but it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

• Stay in touch with family and friends from home.

• Spend time with your flat or coursemates.

• Establish some sort of routine.

What to do if you're suffering

Struggling with mental health problems is more common for students than it is for the rest of the population. This could be because the stressors of student life are a trigger.  

If you are struggling don’t keep it a secret, reach out and talk to a friend, family member or one of the Wellbeing team who are here to support you. Or, if you're worried about a friend read this page for advice on how to best help them. 

Where to go for help

• Mental Health Advisers - We have two Mental Health Advisors within the Disability & Neurodiversity team who can help you by coordinating the services and support you need if you have a diagnosed mental health condition and are registered with the team. 

• Mental Health Practitioners - They provide primary care mental healthcare to students who require support. The NHS GP surgery is a common point of entry for triage, assessment and referral (where needed) to specialist mental health services. Email the team to discuss your circumstances. 

• Counselling – This provides you with the opportunity to look at any underlying issues that might have led to unhappiness or worries within a safe environment. The counsellor will also help you develop ways of coping. Find out more

• Student Wellbeing - General concerns about your mental wellbeing can be emailed to the Wellbeing team. This team do not provide clinical support but can guide students on how to look after themselves and can refer them to our clinical and specialist services where appropriate.   

• GP Surgery (NHS) - The GP Surgery has a full team of GPs who have good experience with students and mental health. In addition to their services, we also have a number of visiting specialists including a psychiatrist, community psychiatric nurse, eating disorders nurse and Talking Therapies. 

• Talking Therapies (NHS service) - Problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and phobias are very common. Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable service that helps people talk through these problems. They have a team of advisors and therapists who can help you overcome life's difficulties and problems and manage them better. The Talking Therapies team attend the NHS GP Surgery on campus each week during term time and by arrangement during the vacation period.   

• Hub of Hope - The online resource Hub of Hope quickly and easily identifies the mental health services in your area. You can enter your postcode, and they will provide you with a list of local facilities.  

• Togetherall - A safe and clinically managed online community to improve mental health and wellbeing available 24 hours a day. The service includes guides and advice for looking after your mental wellbeing - such as goal setters and journals - alongside being able to connect with a community and get (or give) anonymous mental health support.

So, as you can see there are a lot of services here at Royal Holloway which are designed to help and support your mental wellbeing. If you're struggling, please don’t keep it a secret. Reach out and get the help you need - it's what we're here for!