The Place to Start podcast talks mental health and wellbeing services at City St George’s University
Here on City Sounds, it’s Mental Health Week. We’re releasing The Place to Start, a short podcast series introducing the Health and Wellbeing team at City St George’s University. It shares students’ experiences and discusses how you can access support for a range of emotional and mental health problems, all for free.
Exams and assignment deadlines are fast approaching for students at City St George’s and beyond. And that can mean a lot of stress and anxiety. Below, we take a look at some ways to look after yourself during a challenging period.
- Rest. Burnout is a common problem at this time. You’re on a constant cycle of note-taking, revision, practice papers, sitting exams – rinse, repeat. That sweet day of freedom after the last exam seems like it may never come. So make sure amongst all those important tasks, you schedule in some rests. You need regular breaks to be able to concentrate properly – and proper ones, not just doomscrolling on your phone! Get out for a short walk in the sunshine, read or listen to something fun and ensure you get plenty of sleep. It really will make a difference to your focus and calm you down to take your mind off the job for a while.
- Socialise. It’s easy to isolate at this time: you’re in a revision vortex with an overwhelming amount of work. Of course you don’t have time for fun with friends, you tell yourself. But even if it’s just a twenty-minute coffee with another student or a phone call with a family member, talking to loved ones matters. It helps you to break free from the loneliness, and lets them know how you’re doing.
- Break negative thought patterns. It’s hard to get out of spiralling negative thought patterns and tunnel vision when it comes to exams. What if you still can’t get the hang of vector calculus, or Aristotle’s Golden Mean … means nothing to you? What if you have to resit? Why does everything seem so much harder for you than it does for everyone else? (We promise it’s not just you!) This is where you need to pause. Some people try meditation, but if that’s tricky for you, mindfulness is a way in: it helps you to see your worries as things passing by you, rather than a part of you. There are lots of free apps and online resources to try, such as Headspace, BBC Headroom, and tips from the mental health charity Mind.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. They’re on their own path, and haven’t got the same talents, challenges and experiences you have. Plus, you are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of their success and happiness – you don’t see the confusion and failures that we all experience. Success, mental health and wellbeing are not a competition.
- Ask questions. If you’re struggling academically, speak to your course director or the lecturer of the module that you’re worried about. Lecturers actually love questions, and they’re there to get you through this. They want to teach, after all! So see if you can book in a one-to-one to run through the trickiest topics.
- Reach out to the experts. If general self-care’s not enough, then you probably need more dedicated mental health support. That’s what the Health and Wellbeing Team is there for. Fill out this simple, short form with as much or as little information as you like to refer yourself and they will be in touch. There are drop-in sessions, guidance for students living with disabilities and neurodiversity and counselling services for a range of mental health issues. Don’t suffer in silence – they really can help you, no matter the problem.
Listen to all the episodes of The Place to Start podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Research and words by Chloe Sackur
