Being a uni student can be a stressful time in your life. Your mental health can at times feel like a punching bag, with assignment deadlines and the exam period offering relentless blows from left, right and centre.
In times like these, if you feel those balls of stress compounding inside your brain, it’s very likely that your friends, and others around you, are experiencing similar feelings. Struggling with your mental health can be an incredibly lonely feeling, yet the irony is, you’re not alone.
With this being said, we want to help give you some tips about how you can support those friends of yours that are struggling with their mental health while at uni.
You can even try using them with those friends who may not be struggling so much, or even with yourself, as these tools can act as a safeguard against the fragility of mental wellbeing.
Tip #1 - Do Some Exercise Together
According to this research, physical movement, taking some time to get the heart pumping & the blood flowing, sends a wealth of positive endorphins throughout our neural networks. In other words exercise makes us happy!
Doing some exercise with a friend, even if it’s just going for a walk, can help stimulate you both into a positive mindset. It can also be an opportunity to have a chat with them, see how they are, and strengthen the friendship you already have.
Tip #2 - Grab a Bite to Eat Together
Tip #3 - Keep An Eye Out For Them
Noticing a change of mood to how they usually may be, or not seeing them around as much, could be a sign that something’s up. Being aware of your mates, taking note of any changes in behaviour, is a good means of monitoring whether they may need your support.
Tip #4 - Help Them Tidy Their Room
Try offering to help them tidy things up a bit. Someone’s room is a personal space, so don’t be offended if they refuse your offer. But if they’re willing, this can be an impactful means of showing that your support is there.
Tip #5 - Have a Chat
Try having a chat with your mate, asking what’s up. They may not want to talk right away, and that’s ok. But the simple act of letting them know you’re there, and you care, can do wonders for their wellbeing. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Make a Difference
Biologically, as humans, we are hardwired to need social connectedness, to feel as though we are connected to others and are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Knowing that you’re not alone can brighten up somebody’s darkest day.
Don’t be discouraged either if your friend doesn’t want to talk right away. The effect of you even trying can have positive ramifications that you may not notice right away.
You may feel as though you are helpless, but by continuing to remind them that you’re there, and that your support for them is always there when they need it, could really change their outlook.
NEXT:
- Read more wellbeing advice
- Read reviews about student support at UK universities
