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by Tegan Piper
1. Connect with others
Whenever you are going through a low period, feeling alone can be one of the overarching feelings. It might feel scary to open up to a friend when you are going through a hard time but opening a dialogue can be liberating. There are also different ways of connecting with people. For instance, if you are coming to terms with your sexuality and are struggling, finding friends or joining a society that champions the LGBTQ+ community might help you connect with others who feel the same.
2. Make use of services available for you
There are more services than you think available to you as a student, depending on your needs. The main ways to seek support are through your GP, your college’s counselling service of through an advice centre, both of which you can find more information about on your college’s website. There are also other options available such as community services in the area you are located or online services such as Kooth who offer free, safe and anonymous support or Shout which is a free 24/7 text service.
3. Find your own coping mechanisms
Have you ever read something about how something like meditating will help you, but you just cannot get into it? That does not mean you are beyond help. Everyone is different and you just need to find ways that help you manage. For some people journaling is a great way to help with their anxiety, whereas others find that going for a run helps them to feel better. Mental health is complicated, and no coping mechanism will work for everyone, so keep going until you find what works for you.
4. Look after the basics first
This might sound a bit obvious, but your moods and mental health are so intrinsically linked to what you eat and how much you are sleeping. Once one of these is out of balance, it is likely your mind will be too, so ensure you take time to prepare good, healthy meals and get as much sleep as you know you need, even if everything else seems too much.
5.Monitor what you consume
This one is especially apt for the world right now. It is scientifically proven that what you consume influences your mood. So, if you are constantly comparing your college experience to others on Instagram of if you keep checking the news only to receive negative updates. It all has an impact. Ensure you are carving time out away from overloading your brain with information, especially after a full day of online lectures.
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