UNIVERSITY AND MY MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

from Sherborne Times March 2023

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

As a university student, I’ve learned a lot these past few years. Not only is a university a place to grow academically but it’s also where I’ve truly learned what it’s like to be independent.

I’ve grown and developed immeasurably. I’ve improved my cooking skills. I’ve figured out how to check tyre pressure and how to change a spark plug. I’ve also learned the downsides of self-reliance...

It’s University Mental Health Day on 3rd March and in honour of it, I’d like to share my story with you. I’ll touch upon what issues other students might experience, what mental health services feel like for university students and finally, I’ll let you know what students can do to find help in Dorset.

When I started University, I felt excited to finally have my own flat and to be studying something I’m passionate about, but I wasn’t prepared for what came next. In the first week, I dutifully attended induction lectures, but my mood slowly shifted as the pressure swiftly piled on. I felt as though we were expected to be resilient and strong. In truth, I began to struggle.

What I went through isn’t a rare occurrence. A few months into my studies, I met a nursing student who was experiencing the same things. We weren’t alone in this, but we felt alone.

With the pressure of isolation combined with stress so soon into university life, it’s unsurprising The Office for National Statistics found that over 37% of first-year students had some form of depression or anxiety.

In 2020, 3.7% of students declared a mental health condition – up from 0.7% in 2011. Almost half of the students, asked by UCAS, had said they did not share information about their mental health, possibly due to stigma or fears that it would negatively affect their applications to higher education.

1 in 5 students has a diagnosed mental health problem but this does not mean that more people aren’t suffering – they might not accept or realise they have an issue. You don’t need a diagnosis to face mental health challenges.

With mental ill health still being heavily stigmatised and portrayed negatively in the media and in our day-to-day lives, I found little signposting available for students like me, who were starting to deteriorate but felt shame in reaching out.

In many instances, clear signposting to crisis lines, well-being groups, community information services and more could help relieve the pressure felt by health services and would direct students to appropriate services faster.

Dorset Mind offers these signposts. The charity’s website has a useful directory of support by subject and additional resources such as the Five Ways to Wellbeing that can help support and maintain your mental health.

The major problem in the first place is awareness of mental health – and what normal looks like. It’s to be expected that things don’t always go well. We all have bad days, but if they persist or you take a downturn, it’s time to reach for support.

If someone approaches you for help, make sure they know that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed sometimes, have low mood or need to reach out for mental health support. It’s important to give positive affirmations to people who trust you with their feelings. Actively listen and nod your head to indicate understanding – it helps make your friend feel less alone and more comfortable in allowing themselves to be vulnerable and asking for help. studentminds.org.uk youngminds.org.uk themix.org.uk

At universities and places of further and higher education, there is usually a wide range of support for students, based on campus or close by. Connect with other students by joining social clubs and find a doctor’s surgery as soon as you can – they should know what support is available to you in the surrounding community. Make sure when you move away from the safety of your familiar network at home to university, that this is one of the first things you enquire about – it could help make your experience so much better.

To learn more about how Dorset Mind could support you directly and to find information about the range of services they offer including volunteering and training, visit dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support. National organisations such as Student Minds, Young Minds, and The Mix also hold a wealth of resources and information online.

How can you help a friend?

If you want to support a friend or fellow student and help them to open up about their mental health, remember to always ask twice about how they’re feeling. People will almost always default to standard niceties and might need a gentle nudge before they can be honest about how they feel. If, and when, they do confide in you, it’s imperative you know what services to suggest.

• The Samaritans can be called FREE on 116 123, at any time.

• Dorset residents and visitors can call the ‘Connection’ Mental Health Helpline on NHS 111 or 0800 652 0190.

• If phone calls aren’t your thing, text SHOUT to 85258 to start a text conversation with a trained volunteer.

• If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call 999 or head to your nearest A&E department - if you can do so safely.

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