According to Mind, a mental health charity in England and Wales, 1 in 5 students has a diagnosed mental health problem. This manifests itself in a number of different manners and there can be a number of different reasons why these issues surface. Going to university often brings about massive changes in students’ lives, causing uncertainty, additional stress, and many other emotions, and this can often be especially exasperated by the fact that many students first go off to university coming into the winter.

Most of us have experience in the fact that the cold, dingy, grey days of winter can be detrimental to our mental health, and therefore it is especially important for universities to help their students with their mental health during the winter. That does not mean, however, that they should not be focusing on it for the rest of the year, but an extra effort should be made during the winter months to enable students to both settle in effectively and also prosper whilst they are at university.

When it comes to the role that universities can play in offering mental health support to their students, there is plenty that can be done. Universities are not only formal educational institutions, but they are also central in producing independent individuals, many of whom are stepping away from the family unit for the first time, living new experiences, and helping to shape their futures in many ways.

Communication, Efficiency, And Reliability

It is important that universities understand the way their behaviour impacts students and their mental health. By adding extra stress and pressure on their students, this can have a detrimental effect on their mental health. Communication has been especially important during the pandemic, and universities that fail to fulfil their duties in terms of good communication with their students, behaving efficiently, and reliably, can find that they increase anxiety amongst their students.

It is vital that students are clear about what is expected from them – as well as what they can expect from their university – and that the university fulfils these expectations.

Help To Deal With The Issues

Many students come up against the same issues when they go to university. These issues can turn into mental health problems if they are not dealt with early on. Another way that universities can help their students to reduce the chance of mental health problems such as low mood and anxiety is to help them to avoid these issues in the first place. For example, giving students advice and support in looking after their finances can help them to avoid financial difficulties which can often lead to mental health problems.

Encouraging Peer Relationships And Support

Support does not need to necessarily come from the institution itself. Often students will support each other through difficult times and universities should be doing what they can to encourage peer relationships and friendships. As well as promoting anti-bullying policies, providing safe spaces, promoting team-working, kindness, and generally creating a positive, supporting environment.

Mental Health Support Schemes

Mental health support schemes such as helplines and counsellors should be available to all students. It is key that every student has access to these services and they should all be made aware of what is available and how to get this help. Universities should encourage their students to use these services and promote them as much as possible.

Additionally, universities can provide their students with out of education support services which are hugely beneficial for students looking to step away from campus life. Speaking as a former student, knowing there were healthcare services outside of my university campus that I could go to for mental health support was incredibly comforting. Helping Hands Home Care who provide professional mental health care support, state that “Being diagnosed with a mental illness can be life-changing but doesn’t necessarily mean loss of independence.”

Red Flags

Increasingly, universities are able to look for behavioural patterns and red flags in student behaviour that are signs that a student is struggling with their mental health. Signs such as a decrease of engagement, withdrawal from student life, or changes in attitude can be tell-tale signs that a student is having mental health problems. These signs can be picked up on by tutors and mentors, other students, or technological means, helping potential problems to be dealt with earlier.

The issue of student mental health should be central to every decision that is made within an educational institution. Universities have a duty to support their students as much as they possibly can, especially during the winter, nurturing the best environment for their students to learn effectively, as well as leaving the institution a well-rounded, mentally healthy individual.

Source link

The post What Universities Can Offer In Terms Of Students Mental Health Support Through The Winter appeared first on Heal your health yourself.

Transitioning to college can seem overwhelming, but a lot of students eventually get used to the new environment. Of course, there are a few ways you can make this transition easier and maintain your wellbeing in college. That way, you can keep your life balanced.

Taking Advantage Of Resources

There are plenty of resources out there to help you maintain your wellbeing in college. One of those is telehealth. You can communicate with healthcare professionals from the comfort of your own home or dorm room. They will have more information on how to keep yourself healthy and safe. For example, you can review a guide on how the delta variant is disrupting back-to-school plans. Knowing more about the delta variant on college campuses will help you stay healthy.

Making Time For Self Care

There are a lot of demands on your time and energy while in school, and it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Still, no matter how busy you are, it is critical to set aside time to do something relaxing or things you like. You might enjoy watching movies, going to the spa, or taking part in a hobby. Others might enjoy exercise or taking part in mindfulness. No matter how you go about it, you can benefit from focusing on the things that are happening right now. If you are stressed or anxious, it is a good idea to practice mindfulness so you can help your body relax in these situations.

Understanding Substance Use

While in college, you might feel pressured to use alcohol and drugs, especially since many students engage in binge drinking. And marijuana use and vaping are more prevalent than ever today. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your behaviors, particularly if you choose to drink or use drugs. Understand the health risks associated with these behaviors before you choose to engage in them. It is critical to make informed decisions instead of falling prey to peer pressure. For example, even though a lot of people think marijuana is harmless and everyone is using it, there are risks associated with using the drug. It can affect your mental health. You might look for drug and alcohol-free ways of spending time with your friends.

Getting Enough Exercise

Exercise is beneficial on many levels. Many people feel happier after a good workout, and they find they sleep better after doing so. Of course, not everyone enjoys exercise or wants to make the time for it. Some students enjoy the feeling of working out and make time in their schedules to fit it in, even if they are busy. But others choose to skip the workout if they are feeling overwhelmed. If you use exercise as an outlet to release your stress, it is healthy only up to a point. You should ensure you are not doing it too much so that you lose too much weight or hurt yourself. But if you don’t enjoy it, you should incorporate it into your routine, even if it just involves a brisk walk around your school’s campus.

*collaborative post

Source link

The post How Students Can Maintain Wellbeing In College appeared first on Heal your health yourself.