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ICS Learn
Last Reviewed: 23 April 2026 - 2 min read
If you’re struggling with your mental health whilst studying, you’re not alone.
Research shows that out of almost 13,000 students, 39% have reported that they experienced a decline in their mental health since starting university.
Additionally, many students are negatively impacted by the rising cost of living, with the National Union of Students reporting that the student foodbank has doubled since 2022.
While these statistics may not necessarily include the circumstances of adult learners, we feel it's important that we share the appropriate mental health information and resources with students (of all ages) who may need them.
Below we review a few small - but significant - ways you can look after your mental health as a student.
As a society, we’ve come a long way in getting rid of the stigma surrounding mental illness but it can still be there so we appreciate that it can be hard to speak up.
However, bottling things up will only make them worse so you should try to find someone you can open to. This could be your GP, your college or university’s support staff or a mental health charity.
There are also a number of helplines that you can ring anonymously if you don’t feel up to talking in person yet:
When you speak to a doctor, mental health professional, or trained volunteer, you will not be judged. These services support people every day and will help guide you towards the right type of support for your situation.
Your tutors and learning support teams are there to help you, so if you’re struggling to keep on top of your work, it’s important to let them know as early as possible.
Research shows that many learners experience academic stress during their studies, but a significant number do not seek support early enough, which can make challenges feel more overwhelming over time.
Support teams may be able to ease pressure by offering extra guidance, extending deadlines, or providing flexibility if you’ve fallen behind due to personal or wellbeing challenges.
It can feel daunting to reach out, but early communication often makes a big difference. The sooner you speak up, the more support options are usually available – helping to prevent unnecessary stress from building up.
It can be easy to withdraw from others when you’re feeling low, but isolation can often make mental health challenges feel more intense over time.
Research consistently shows that strong social connections play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing, helping to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness.
While you may worry that friends or family won’t fully understand what you’re going through, many people experience similar challenges and are often more understanding than expected.
Even if you’re not ready to talk in detail about how you feel, spending time with people you trust can help you feel more supported, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of stability during difficult periods.
If you’re feeling unhappy with your course, living situation, or environment, it can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Taking time to reflect on whether your current study path is right for you can be helpful. You might want to consider questions such as:
It’s completely normal not to have clear answers straight away. These reflections don’t always point to a need for change – sometimes mental health challenges can influence how you feel about your surroundings and studies.
Giving yourself space to reflect without pressure can help you better understand what’s contributing to how you’re feeling.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking time for yourself can feel like a low priority – but it’s actually one of the most effective ways to support your mental health and improve focus in the long run.
Building regular downtime into your routine can help you recharge and maintain balance. This might include simple activities such as cooking, watching something you enjoy, or getting some light exercise.
It can also help to create a wind-down routine in the evening. Try to avoid studying late into the night and instead set a consistent cut-off time to help your mind switch off. Relaxing activities could include:
There’s no “right” way to relax – the key is finding what genuinely helps you switch off.
Finally, prioritising sleep is essential. Aiming for around 7-8 hours per night can significantly support concentration, mood, and overall wellbeing.
If a growing list of responsibilities is increasing your stress levels, it’s important to recognise that it’s okay to prioritise your wellbeing and start saying ‘no’ when necessary.
While it’s not healthy to isolate yourself or avoid all commitments, reducing your workload to focus on the things that matter most can significantly improve your stress management and help prevent burnout.
Learning to say no can also be empowering, especially when it involves declining activities or events that may contribute to stress or anxiety. By setting boundaries, you take greater control of your time, energy, and overall wellbeing.
If your to-do list feels overwhelming and unmanageable, creating a structured schedule can greatly improve your time management and reduce stress.
Try building a weekly timetable that includes not only academic work but also time for self-care, relaxation, and social activities. This balanced approach supports better student wellbeing and helps you maintain productivity without feeling burnt out.
Seeing your commitments clearly laid out can make your workload feel more manageable and less overwhelming. It also provides structure, helping you feel more organised and in control of your time.
For an easy start, you can download our free study planner to help you organise your schedule and improve your study routine.
Self-blame and poor mental health often go hand in hand, and it can be easy to criticise yourself when you’re struggling. However, experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges does not make you weak or lesser than anyone else.
Mental health difficulties are a common part of the human experience, and at some point in life, most people will face challenges with their emotional wellbeing. No one is happy all the time, and it’s completely normal for feelings and circumstances to change.
The impact of mental health issues varies from person to person, and what helps one individual may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to focus on finding the right support for you, rather than comparing your experience to others.
Taking the first step – whether that’s talking to someone you trust or seeking professional support – can make a real difference. You deserve understanding, care, and the space to move forward at your own pace, with the confidence that things can improve over time.
Chrissy Orson is a therapist and coach, with extensive experience in helping organisations improve their approach to mental health. We reached out to her for some advice on her top tips when it comes to looking after your mental health as a student:
"Sometimes when we’re studying it can feel like there’s a million and one things to do and not enough time to do it, but then we can’t bring ourselves to get started no matter how hard we try. I know that I, for one, am a master procrastinator! I’ll do anything rather than revise or get started with that essay – even ironing! These are some things which can absolutely help:
If you’re still struggling, it’s important to reach out and get support. Don’t wait until it all feels too much and you’re at the end of your tether – reach out to your tutors, friends, families, your doctor or the organisations listed below.
A problem shared can become a problem solved no matter how big and overwhelming it seems."
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