In recognition of Student Mental Health Awareness Day, it’s important for us to take some time to reflect on how we think about mental health, what affects us and small changes we can make to improve how we feel.
It’s not as stigmatised to talk about mental health today as it was 10-20 years ago. A majority of society recognises the importance of managing and taking care of our mental health. However, there’s still a tendency to feel more comfortable discussing it when it’s “neatly packaged” as a diagnosis, without disrupting our busy, productive lives. The reality of living with fluctuating mental health—which many of us experience, even if we don’t like to admit it—is often much messier. It can be confusing, disruptive, exhausting and difficult to communicate far from the tidy, easy-to-understand narrative we tend to expect.
Our physical health is often given a “free pass” as it's hard to ignore visible signs of physical health issues. Meanwhile, our mental health sits nervously on the sidelines, wondering if it can ever be taken as seriously—or if it can ever express itself in the way a broken leg can.
So, although we might be “sick of” hearing about mental health campaigns, awareness and de-stigmatisation – the way mental health shows up in our day-to-day lives is often treated as something we don’t have the time for. We all have a tendency to overlook our own and others' mental health fluctuations, often feeling like we don’t have the time for it, and making it easy to miss how it shows up in our day-to-day lives. This isn’t because we mean to—it's simply a natural consequence of our busy lives.
In these moments, all we can do is take a second to reflect on what we truly value. It’s important to remember we each have a responsibility to practice empathy for others – whether colleagues, friends, family and strangers. Empathy and holding space for ourselves and others is a skill that can be developed with time and intention. And often, there is truth behind someone’s experience, even if we can’t see it right away.
While on the topic of responsibility, it’s crucial to acknowledge the undeniable influence our environment and society have on our mental health.
To return to our comparison to physical health, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to take care of our wellbeing by giving our bodies what they need– regular movement and variety of fresh fruit, and vegetables – when society and our environment push us toward convenience and cost-cutting. For example, when a punnet of strawberries is five times more expensive than a pack of biscuits.
In a similar vein, it's difficult to nourish our minds with what they need—time with loved ones, self-esteem, hobbies, and rest— when we’re living in an environment that runs counter to what our minds need. With so much time spent at work, limited social interactions, and constant exposure to flawless images of beauty, wealth, and status, it’s no wonder we’re struggling.
I say this to emphasise that we all have and experience mental health and it’s so important to acknowledge how our society - and by extension, our lifestyles - influence how we feel in our minds and bodies. It’s never been more difficult to take care of our mental health and it makes sense why we’re struggling. You’re not alone and it’s not just you, there’s nothing wrong with you!
It just means that it’s more important than ever to be intentional about taking care of ourselves– finding pockets of time where we can value our mental health ways that are unique and specific to us.
1. Give yourself permission rest and find your balance.
It’s easy to push through when we’re feeling drained, thinking we are being productive. But allowing yourself permission to take a mental health day can more helpful for yourself and your work long-term.
We know being a student is difficult - you can’t exactly pause your deadlines or coursework. However, it is really helpful to organise your time so that you have a cut-off point to stop working. At some point, the amount of work you get done when you’re groggy, sleepy, and hungry isn’t worth the time or effort you’re putting into it.
Don’t feel guilty about stepping back for a bit. We often feel selfish for doing so, but it helps to think of rest as preventive medicine. By taking a day to recharge now, you give yourself time to catch up and help prevent actually being sick for longer in your future.
Return to your work once you’ve taken care of yourself.
2. Protect yourself from digital influence and move
Our phones, feeds and notifications can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed – whether it’s global news, influencers’ holidays or opinionated podcasts. We often think we can just put our phones down whenever we want, but let’s be honest, we can’t leave the house without them.
Knowing this, it’s helpful to act like our own parent and protect ourselves from comparisons and stress-inducing notifications. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, and disconnect from your devices (including your laptop and TV). Spend some time unstimulated, just with your thoughts – they’re not as bad as you think.
This also creates more mental space for ourselves and our hobbies.
Additionally, try structuring your day so you spend some time moving and outdoors. For example, take a longer route to work or university that lets you walk a bit or spend time in nature. It doesn’t have to be the full journey, or take that long. Sit with the new ducklings at the pond on campus or visit one of the many beautiful parks around. With warmer months coming, you can take your university work outdoors. Small changes like this can have a big impact on your well-being.
3. Create a restorative space
Organise your study or living area in a way that feels calming. The process of tidying and cleaning can feel productive and refreshing – doubling up as time away from your computer. It is helpful to create a calming environment in which you can focus better and feel more relaxed.
Your physical environment plays a significant role in your mental health—when your space is organised, it can also help clear mental clutter and make it easier to think.
4. Reach out for help
Don’t wait until you’re at breaking point. If you notice you're not feeling quite right, don’t convince yourself it’s not that bad.
Whether it’s talking to a friend, the Union’s Advice Service, seeking professional help through University mental health advisors or private therapists, reaching out can make all the difference. There’s no shame in it and the sooner you take action, the easier it is to get back to feeling like yourself.
Click here to find out more about the Union Advice Service