By a 2nd year NTU student, Mandarin Chinese and International Relations
As a student I totally and completely know how difficult it can be to look after yourself, especially when you’re dealing with deadlines or doing adult stuff like paying bills and doing your weekly shop.
This post will provide tips to deal with the sinking depression and anxiety so that you can be happy and healthy at NTU.
I’ve been a long-term sufferer of depression and anxiety, so I know that some of the tips I’ll show you may not work for you. In fact, none may work for you but the essence of trying to find your feet is so important to look after yourself in the long run. It took me three years to figure out even one small, tiny way to cheer myself up and get out of the dark cave of depression. It’s not easy, but you can do it.
1. Get yourself a 20 second hug from a pal or a loved one -scientifically proven to provide benefits to the giver and receiver, it can reduce the harmful physical effects from stress and anxiety. It can even help boost your immune system, fight infection and can help ease your depression. I like these a lot!
2. Grounding – sometimes when life is too much, it can help to go outside for a 10 minute walk and pick out things you can hear, smell, see and touch. Not only is this good exercise, but it helps you be at one with yourself.
3. Doing something you love – this one is a bit vague because anything can come into this category. Things such as reading a book, watching a film, doing exercise, writing down your feelings into a diary, having a pamper session (face masks and candles), or playing your favourite game can help a lot to make you feel happier and healthier at NTU.
4. Counting to 10 – this method is similar to the grounding method I mentioned before. Sometimes when a stressful situation arises, we may behave or say things out of character. Try go into your own head for a while and just count to ten slowly, then think of a reply or the next move you’ll make. It’ll save a lot of conflict, and that I really try my best to avoid as it makes me extremely anxious.
5. Talking to someone you trust – if talking face to face gives you anxiety or your depression makes you feel like you want to be in bed all day, then a text message or a Facebook message asking to talk about your problem is also a good idea. Reaching out is very important for helping other people to understand that you’re struggling and might need that extra reassurance to calm them down or cheer them up. Sometimes just sharing how you’re feeling with someone else is enough to make you feel a bit better.
I hope that these tips might be in handy to anyone reading this blog post and thinking that you could do with some tips to defeat the demons called Depression and Anxiety.
One last tip: if you get upset when things don’t go to plan, think of “FAIL”
First Attempt In Learning
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
If you are a current NTU student and are interested in writing for our blog, please do get in touch at leah.wareham@ntu.ac.uk
Healthy NTU 