Whether you’re at college or university, managing your mental health while studying is essential for your wellbeing and academic success. With pressure to ace exams, deadlines to meet, complete applications for higher educations and possibly balance a job on the side, it can be very easy for self-care and mental wellbeing to slide. In this article, we’ll be looking at what students are currently facing that impacts their mental health, what could be affecting your wellbeing, the signs your mental health may need some TLC and how to seek support while studying.<\/span><\/span><\/span> Why looking after your mental health while studying is important<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Looking after your mental health while studying not only ensures your wellbeing, but it’s a precursor for academic success. “Running on empty” is a recipe for burnout and could impact how you feel, behave and approach your studies too. With the right approach – particularly when it comes to rest, food and balancing your studies – you’ll be better equipped at handling the stresses of student life. Stress is an inevitable part of life as a student, and looking after your mental health can improve your resilience, concentration and learning potential.<\/span><\/span><\/span> What students are facing today <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n • A May 2025 report from the Association of Colleges (AoC)<\/a> found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of colleges have seen an increase in the number of 16 to 18-year-olds experiencing suicidal thoughts <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • In the 2023\/24 academic year, over one in five (22%) female students reported mental health difficulties, a figure that is twice the rate of their male peers. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Nationally, two-thirds (64%) of young adults (16-25) in Britain report having experienced or currently experiencing mental health difficulties.<\/span><\/span><\/span> What can contribute to poor mental health as a student?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> Pressure to succeed <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n The demands of coursework and exams, combined with pressure from your peers to achieve their desired grades can rub off on you. In turn, you may overcompensate by staying up late to study. This is risky as it means rest and self-care are put on the backburner.<\/span><\/span><\/span> Poor work-life balance<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Not having a balance between work and play can impact our wellbeing. While it’s important to study and achieve the grades you desire, rest gives our minds a break in between academic pressure. The same goes for students who have a job alongside studying – those extra shifts may be important for income, but self-care is key to maintaining balance.<\/span><\/span><\/span> Debt<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Student life can be expensive, not to mention many students are out there for the first time managing their own money. Without the right student budget and planning, debt can quickly become a problem, affecting your mental health and financial wellbeing.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n Being away from home<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Moving away from home to live on campus can cause homesickness and longing for familiarity. Plus, the absence of your usual support network can cause feelings of isolation – especially if you’re struggling to make friends at university.<\/span><\/span><\/span> Pre-existing mental health concerns<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Whether you’re at college or university – academic pressure and a totally new lifestyle can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Perhaps you don’t have access to your usual GP, or do not know where to seek professional support.<\/span><\/span><\/span> What are the signs you may be experiencing poor mental health?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n • Stressful emotions when thinking about your coursework and revision <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Mood changes around your course mates, friends and family <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Social withdrawal <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Neglecting self-care <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Potentially engaging in risky behaviours (such as increased alcohol or drug use) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Negative self-talk <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Poor focus during teaching time <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Procrastination due to emotional dysregulation <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Sleep disturbances<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n • Physical manifestations such as feeling run down, headaches and stomach aches<\/span><\/span><\/span> How to manage your mental health during your studies<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> Ensure you’re registered with a GP<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b>
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\nThis especially applies to students living away from home.<\/a> Having access to a GP means you can reach out and book an appointment when you need it.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
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{"id":8105,"date":"2026-03-10T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T09:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisisfresh.com\/blog\/?p=8105"},"modified":"2026-03-10T09:54:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T09:54:50","slug":"managing-mental-health-while-studying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisisfresh.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/10\/managing-mental-health-while-studying\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing mental health while studying"},"content":{"rendered":"