Advice
PARENTS
Get smart about mental health
Scarlett Clark discusses preparing for university, recognising the warning signs of mental health and where to go to find help
U
niversity is an exciting and life-changing experience. However, as much as this is true for the majority of students,
for some it can present a challenging transition, potentially jeopardising their mental wellbeing.
Mental health determines how we feel about ourselves, the way we interact with those around us and how we overcome challenges. From managing finances to achieving academic success, the thought of starting university can be daunting enough. So struggling with poor mental wellbeing can deny a student the chance to achieve a degree, make friends or embrace new opportunities.
Students with mental health conditions, or who are prone to developing them, have needs and experiences that differ from the rest of the population with similar symptoms. They are living away from home, many for the first time, have to deal with studying – and employment in some cases – and need to learn to manage a student loan. Some students cope with these circumstances well, but for others these stressors can carry huge weight. A 2019 poll of almost 38,000 UK students revealed that rates of psychological distress and illness are on the rise in universities. Researchers say the findings of the report warrant “an urgent call to action”. But as with physical health, mental health can fluctuate; your child feeling down isn’t necessarily reason
to panic – just like life, university is full of highs and lows.
Between writing an excellent personal statement and looming exams, it’s common for students to feel anxious or stressed. There are many big decisions to make before studying begins, such as what subject to choose or what type of course to take and where. There are things you can do to help though. Attending open days to get a better insight into an institution and its teaching methods can help a student prepare for the pace of study. Getting everything to do with the application and university life planned and organised early can minimise the disruption. It can also be useful to create a weekly or termly budget plan to help a student acclimatise – a variety of apps and spreadsheet templates are available for this purpose. So while stress is relatively normal for a student about to start university, there are graver warning signs that you
Summer 2020
WhatLive.co.uk 31
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