Students walking towards Library Square
Our mental wellbeing affects how we feel about all areas of life. Looking after it can improve the way we feel every day. This can help at times when we may not be feeling our best, but it’s also important to make sure we look after ourselves during the easier times.
You can access a wide range of resources and support through our Mental Health page on the Student Hub.
There are lots of ways we can look after our mental health and wellbeing. Different things work for different people but there are some basics to try, starting with these five ways to wellbeing:
1. Spend time with others
Connecting with other people is great for our wellbeing. It can give us a sense of belonging, help to create a support network, and give us people to talk to and have fun with.
The Students' Union has a wide range of events that you could attend, from Language Cafes to pub quizzes. Or, why not sign up for their Buddy Scheme, if you’re looking to meet and connect with new people?
If you live on campus, you can also reach out to the Residential Life team about your wellbeing or attend one of their social gatherings. You can look in your kitchen for your Res Life Connector’s contact details, email ResidentialLife@sussex.ac.uk, or just follow them on Instagram to see what events are coming up.
2. Keep active
Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and improve mood; exercising outside is especially good. There are lots of ways to get active at Sussex, whether that’s taking a walk around our beautiful campus or joining one of the weekly social sports sessions, designed by students for students, as part of the Active US programme. Find out more about getting active with Sussex Sport.
3. Keep learning
Being a student, you have an obvious advantage with this one! Learning new skills can boost confidence, build a sense of purpose, and help you to connect with others. Although you’ll be learning lots on your course of study, it’s great to gain new skills by trying a new hobby as this gives you a chance to relax and use a different part of your brain. With groups dedicated to everything from acapella singing to Zumba fitness, the Students’ Union societies are a great place to start if you’re looking to try something new.
4. Give to others
Acts of kindness and giving create positive feelings, a sense of purpose and self–worth. You don’t need to make grand gestures; small acts of kindness such as making a friend a cup of tea, asking someone how their day is going, or even volunteering can all have a positive impact on your own wellbeing.
The SU have some great opportunities if you are interested in volunteering. Don’t forget to get involved with the Spirit of Sussex Award to be recognised foryour extra-curricular and voluntary achievements.
5. Take notice – be mindful
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing; this includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. If you’re interested in engaging more with mindfulness and wellbeing then the apps below can help you discover more:
-
Headspace makes practicing mindfulness easier. You can sign up for free on their Take 10 programme – just 10 minutes a day for 10 days.
-
Breathe – a mindfulness app that helps you stay calm and battle anxiety by sending you gentle deep breathing reminders throughout the day.
-
Happify – an app aimed at developing skills to boost emotional wellbeing.
Find them all in your usual app store.
What else?
You can also help to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing by:
-
Joining one of the group workshops run by our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners – check the event listings on the Student Hub for upcoming sessions.
-
Eating and sleeping well, staying hydrated and drinking sensibly.
-
Managing your time effectively and learning key study skills. Find out how we can help.
-
Tracking your moods to help work out what positively and negatively affects your mental wellbeing (you might want to try the free emoodji app from mental health charity Mind); then you can take steps to change or prepare for situations that have a negative effect.
-
Enjoying downtime, relaxing and having some fun!
It’s good to talk
The Student Centre offers help and advice through email, telephone and pre-booked appointments. A meeting with a Student Advisor can address both practical and emotional issues and will provide support, advice and space for reflection.
Tea and Talk
The Tea and Talk Peer Support Network offers an informal space for Sussex students to talk and be listened to, as well as an opportunity to find out about other sources of support. The sessions are run by friendly trained Wellbeing Connectors who are Sussex students, and you can expect free tea, biscuits and mindful activities.
Any Sussex student can come along and you can talk about anything. Sessions take place in the Student Centre (Woodland 1) on Wednesdays, from 1pm to 3pm, during term time.
Togetherall – a virtual community
Would you rather chat online? Togetherall uses the positive effects of healthy social networks in its community where people share with, and support one another anonymously.
Where to get help
If you need help or you’re not coping, don’t hesitate to ask for support – we are here to help.
You can find details about the full range of support available to you on our Mental Health page on the Student Hub, including further contacts for those with long-term conditions or who are currently in crisis.