A recent study conducted by Stellenbosch University revealed that among 12% of university students (in South Africa) experienced moderate to severe symptoms of depression and 15% reported moderate symptoms of anxiety and 24% of students who participated in the survey reported some form of suicidal ideation two weeks prior to being interviewed. These stats show that mental health struggles amongst students are at an all time high and growing rapidly.
Below are some tips and ways to take care of your mental health as a student.
1. Try to stay active
Staying active is definitely not as easy as it sounds but it has numerous benefits. Exercising reduces anxiety and improving negative moods. I’d suggest finding a short and simple workout routine that you enjoy and/or taking walks.
2. Take some ‘me’ time
It can be so difficult taking some ‘me’ time when you’re constantly surrounded by people, but it is important to check in with yourself and spend some time with yourself, preferably doing something you like or that will help you decompress.
3. Set small goals
Sometimes the smallest tasks can feel impossible, so don’t try and push yourself too hard. Make your to-do list more realistic and achievable, no matter how small the tasks seem. Even if that goal is just writing one paragraph for that essay, that’s also fine.
4. Get some sleep/rest
Studies have shown that a regular sleeping pattern is actually more effective than getting more sleep. So, with that being said, you don’t have to sleep for 10 hours a night (I mean that would be nice), you just have to formulate a sleeping pattern that works for you.
5. Talk about it
This is probably the most important tip I’ve mentioned in the article. Usually after talking about your stress/worries/concerns, you might feel better and lighter. If you feel like talking to friends or family isn’t helping, try contacting your university psychologist.
I hope these help 🌸
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