• Looking after yourself
• Practical tips for good mental health

Looking after yourself

Leaving home for the first time can be an exciting and challenging experience. It can be tempting to ‘burn the candle at both ends’, by partying non-stop and trying to keep on top of your work, but it is also important to look after yourself. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, get plenty of rest, avoid using illicit drugs, and if you drink alcohol, try to do it in moderation. Although we hope you are able to enjoy student life without any problems cropping up, there may be times when you feel you can’t cope or you may feel lonely and isolated and your mental health could begin to suffer. It is important that you register with a local GP so you can access their services if you need to.

Mental health difficulties affect people in many different ways. People experiencing common mental health difficulties may notice some or all of the following:

• Poor concentration
• Poor short-term memory
• Low self-esteem and confidence, leading to difficulties in asking for help
• Difficulty mixing with others or making new friends, leading to social isolation.
• Negative thinking
• Poor motivation
• Difficulty organising their workload
• Changes in perception, such as hearing voices when there’s no one there
• Sleeping more or less than normal
• Poor physical health

We can help you to learn to recognise your own early warning signs so that you can take action before things get out of hand. The emphasis of the support we offer is on helping you to develop practical ways to deal with obstacles to your academic progression and find creative ways forward on your course.

You're not obliged to disclose your mental health difficulties though you may lose out on extra support if you choose not to. It is advisable to make an appointment for an informal, confidential chat with one of the Mental Health Advisors to discuss the support which is available to you within the University, and also in the community, and how to access it.

Don't be afraid to seek help and support. There is always someone to turn to – see other sources of support on campus for more ways to access support.

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Practical tips for good mental health

• Keep physically active
• Eat well
• Drink in Moderation
• Value yourself and others
• Talk about your feelings
• Keep in touch with friends and loved ones
• Care for others
• Get involved and make a contribution
• Learn new skills
• Do something creative
• Take a break
• Ask for help

(from Making it Possible: Improving Mental Health and Well-being in England.
Department of Health, 2005)

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