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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.
1. Do some exercise together
The mountain of research pouring out of psychology labs in recent years, identifying the positive relationship between exercise and wellbeing, seems to be perpetually growing.
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.
2. Grab a bite to eat together
If there’s one thing in life that is universally loved, it’s food. We may not all agree on what food we like, but we all have foods that make us feel good inside. Going and grabbing a bite to eat with your mate can be a good way of changing scenery, taking a break from the stressors uni life bowls at you, and can be another great way to connect with your friends.
3. Keep an eye out for them
During the course of a uni week, students have a lot on their mind. At times, it can feel as though you can barely look after yourself. However, it doesn’t take too much effort to just simply keep an eye out on your mates.
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.
4. Help them tidy their room
It’s often the case that an untidy room can reflect an untidy mind. The environment you surround yourself with plays a pivotal role in the state of your wellbeing. It may be the case that your mate is keeping their room fairly untidy, with clothes sprawled all over the floor, dirty dishes or food scraps untouched, or the bed never being made.
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.
5. Have a chat
When you’re in a low place, talking can seem like the toughest thing to do. It can feel easier to sweep how you may be feeling under the rug, rather than laying it out on the table. Yet what we find most difficult, is often what will be most effective.
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
Never underestimate the ability you have to help somebody struggling. Sometimes, it can be as simple as being present, without saying or doing anything, that makes all the 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.
Just remember that you're a friend, not a therapist, and there's only so much you can do to support someone with mental health issues without professional qualifications. If your friend is struggling more than the normal amount of student stress or homesickness, encourage them to reach out to wellbeing services, whether it's university provided ones, NHS or private healthcare.
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