This latest blog entry has been published to mark University Mental Health Day (4th March 2021), which aims to make mental health a university-wide priority and create ongoing year round change to the future of student mental health. It is run jointly by Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisors Network.

Jill Gale, who runs the University's Mental Health Blog, has compiled a list of practical ways to make university a place of hope and positivity, as well as a collection of useful links and resources for students.

The hope is to encourage more and more students to engage with support and discuss mental health, making education a better environment for all...

Mental Health Blog

Thursday 4th March is University Mental Health Day when we focus on student wellbeing and mental health. University Mental Health Day brings together the university community to make mental health a university-wide priority and create ongoing year round change to the future of student mental health. It is run jointly by Student Minds and the University Mental Health Advisors Network.

Did you know that there are over 2.3 million students studying in UK universities? This year students are experiencing even more challenges than usual. Motivation can be low with having to manage online study. It is harder to make new friends or get a job to supplement a student loan. The media is reporting that these pressures are having a negative impact on student mental health.

These are my ideas on three practical ways we can all focus on making university a place to offer hope and positivity for all.

1. Inspiring Conversations

We need to be open about our mental health and share experiences. Talk to others about how you have got through a difficult time and what helped. Don’t be afraid to ask someone how they are feeling and really listen to them. It may be the first time they have spoken to someone about their mental health.

2. Take Action

Challenge stigma and discrimination wherever you see it. Get involved with a local charity that supports mental health such as MIND or Rethink.

3. Create change

Get together with other students to identify ways in which the university can improve student wellbeing. Speak to the Student Union’s VP for Equality about your ideas.

If you have concerns about managing your mental health and study have a look at what we offer: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell/

Student Space also has a lot of helpful advice for students to manage all aspects of life during this challenging time, including...

• Studying during coronavirus - Online learning has been a big change
• Lockdown and self-isolation - Being a student during lockdown can be additionally challenging. Have a look at tips on staying well whilst isolating
• Mental health and wellbeing - It’s now more important than ever to look after our mental and physical health
• Friendships and social life - Coronavirus mean it’s harder to make friends at uni this year
• Applying for jobs - Job hunting is daunting anyway and doing it in a pandemic only makes it more challenging
• Money - The pandemic might have created some extra pressures on your finances, find out about tips to help with your money worries
• Life as a disabled student - Student Space has introduced a whole new section specifically for students with disabilities
• Grief and loss - The coronavirus has caused a lot of us to experience loss, in different forms

Read previous Mental Health Blog posts and keep abreast of new ones by visiting: www.beds.ac.uk/helphub/mental-health-blog

For a list of support services provided by the Student Experience team, visit the University's Help Hub: www.beds.ac.uk/helphub