Postgraduate Studies: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Student

With World Mental Health Day taking place on 10th October, we want to take this opportunity to support postgraduate students in recognising the signs of poor mental health and offer practical steps to prioritise wellbeing and seek help when needed. 

Signs a Student is Struggling With Their Mental Health 

During post-graduate studies, students take greater responsibility for managing their workload and deadlines independently. For some, this can result in a lack of motivation, while others may overwork themselves, striving for perfection without setting realistic boundaries. In some cases, this can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Taking proactive steps, such as initiating a supportive conversation, recommending available mental health services or offering academic assistance as an educational institution, can make a significant difference to a student’s wellbeing. 

Common signs that a student is struggling with their mental health include: 

• Social isolation

• Lack of concentration or motivation

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 

As an individual, it’s also important to be able to notice when your own mental health may be dipping, so you can take the right action to improve it. 

If you suspect your mental health may be slipping at any point during the academic year, consider asking yourself the following questions: 

• Have I been distancing myself from friends and family lately?

• Am I feeling dissatisfied with my academic performance or finding it hard to focus? 

• Have I been neglecting my self-care routines? 

• Am I sleeping more than usual, or struggling to fall asleep?

• Have I noticed any recent changes in my eating habits, such as a loss or increase in appetite?

These are just a few signs that your mental health might need some attention. If you observe any of these changes, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later to support your wellbeing. 

How to Take Care Of Your Mental Health as a Student 

When you’re not feeling your best, it can feel harder to take positive steps that can benefit your overall wellbeing. However, there are small steps we can take every day to look after ourselves. These include: 

• Being Mindful of Your Environment

If you’ve moved to a new city to pursue your post-graduate studies, settling into a new environment can feel overwhelming. Creating a comfortable, homely space can help to ease the transition. By setting up dedicated areas for studying and relaxation, you can make your new surroundings feel more like home, helping you stay organised and balanced. 

• Getting Adequate Sleep

Establishing a healthy sleep routine can significantly improve your mental wellbeing. Try doing something relaxing before bed, such as reading or meditating, to help you unwind. Consider using an alarm clock instead of your phone to avoid the temptation of morning scrolling. Additionally, jotting down your thoughts before bed can help clear your mind, making it easier to relax and enjoy a restful sleep. 

• Making Time For the Things You Enjoy

As your studies progress, your workload may increase, but it’s essential to still make time for your hobbies and activities you enjoy outside of academics. Whether it’s doing something creative such as drawing, dancing, knitting or writing, or simply relaxing watching your favourite TV show or film, it’s important to set aside time in your schedule for calming, soul-loving activities.

• Getting Outside

Stepping outside of your study space can help your brain decompress. Set timers during study sessions and use your breaks to get outdoors. Whether it’s taking a short walk, going for a bike ride or playing a team sport, spending time in nature is great for your mind.

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing: What if I Don’t Have a Lot of Time? 

Deciding to prioritise your mental health can be challenging at first, but setting clear, specific goals can make the process more manageable. 

During busy times, stress can quickly build up and take its toll on your wellbeing. To avoid this, start small - dedicate just five minutes a day to a simple, mindful activity. It could be something as straightforward as making a cup of tea without distractions or writing a short gratitude list for the day. 

Gradually, you can strive to increase this time, extending your breaks from five minutes to ten, and eventually thirty minutes to an hour, helping you create a routine that supports your mental health. 

Student Mental Health Resources 

Supporting student mental health is essential for achieving both academic and personal success. 

Many of the universities and institutions accredited by AMBA & BGA provide a wide range of resources to help students manage stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 

Most universities have a dedicated Wellbeing Services team, which is usually the best starting point for information on available support. These teams often include mental health advisors who offer guidance to all students in need, not just those with diagnosed conditions. 

Common resources provided by universities include:

• Counselling services

• Medical support 

• Tools and self-help resources 

• Specialised mental health support 

In addition to on-campus services, there are many online resources available from organisations such as Mind, Student Minds and Young Minds, which provide valuable support for students facing mental health challenges. 

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education

Learning how to take care of your mental health as a student is a valuable skill that will benefit you long after graduation, as you transition from your studies into the workplace.

Whether you’re pursuing an MBA or currently navigating your academic journey, AMBA and BGA Membership can support your career aspirations by offering networking opportunities and access to the insights of a thriving business student and graduate community.