Tips for Reducing Stress for Students

Stress is something that affects us all at different times and in different ways. Moving away from home, disagreements with housemates, essay deadlines and exams can be stressful for some students. Others may already be living with a mental health issue, or be affected by bereavement or relationship issues.

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience mental ill health each year. For conditions such as depression and anxiety, stress is a major factor.

Wrexham University’s senior counsellor Diane Duff has some tips to reduce stress.

“Stress can be external, resulting from pressures around you, or internal, resulting from pressure you put on yourself,” said Diane.

“Not all stress is bad, in fact dealing with life pressures can make us more resilient in the long term.

“Identify your triggers, and try and address some of the causes. It’s important to recognise what you can control and what you can’t. If the problem is time pressure, can anything give?

“Where you can’t control a stressful situation, it is important to find a way of managing the symptoms. Relaxation, meditation and exercise can all help, as can surrounding yourself with supportive people and finding some balance in your life”

Wrexham University’s counselling department can offer support to students who are experiencing not just stress but any emotional difficulty during their studies. 

For students with a pre-existing mental health condition, inclusion services can put you in touch with our mental health mentor and advise on benefit entitlement.

Interested in mental health? Find out about our BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing degree. 

Written by Laura Edwards, Digital Enagement Officer at Wrexham University.