Mental Health

Hi again! Been a long week, hence the delay on posting! I’ve decided to write a short post today based around mental health, since Mental Illness Awareness Week was last week. Reports have shown that thousands of students are affected mentally in the UK alone, with 1 in 4 students suffering mental health illnesses. Mental illness comes in all forms, for example it could be that you're anxious about university or struggling with body image. It is understandable with the stress put on students, especially with the circumstances right now, students are feeling pressure more than ever. Student experience comes with all types of worries, whether it be the countless deadlines, heavy coursework, parttime jobs, money, bills etc. Furthermore, social media puts pressure on young people to have the perfect lifestyles and perfect bodies. 

 

These can all build up to the point where you begin to feel stressed and low. When we are low our problems seem a lot bigger than they are. They feel like a burden, dragging us down. You feel like your drowning in coursework, not meeting deadlines, and it can simply feel like it's all bubbling over. However, this feeling is TEMPORARY! We are temporarily stressed out and these feelings of worry and fear will not last forever.

There is nothing this world cannot fix or heal. However, we, ourselves, must be prepared to talk about our problems so we can get help. Don’t let your worries become you. Talk to a parent, friend, trustee or even the university. Universities offer counselling for struggling students and will never close the door on anyone.

 

There are several ways I find useful when coping with stress. For me, I find it useful to take a break and walk away from the computer screen - just to let my brain switch off. I always ensure I stay in contact with my friends, talk to my parents and keep everyone in the loop with how I am feeling. Simple things like going a walk or going out for dinner even help me relax. I also find it useful to take time off of social media. All these celebrities and influencers creating a false picture of a ‘perfect life.’ Unfortunately, we live in the real world and life isn't always rainbows and sunshine. 

 

In the end, our worries and fears become pointless. Our sanity is more important than the coursework due next week. If you're struggling, talk to somebody. Something can always be done to fix how you are feeling. And trust me, once you start crossing the deadlines off your list, it doesn’t seem that bad anymore!  

I think there is a lack of awareness around Mental Health and I want society to normalize that it's okay to not be okay! If you're struggling, it's perfectly fine to ask for help... 

Thank you for reading my second post!!! Hope you well and stay HAPPY! 

- Lauren  xx