Campaigns - Mental Health - What is stress?
We will have all experienced stress at some point in our lives – ever get that feeling where you just have too many things to do and too little time to do it? You start to sweat, your head is pounding, your heart rate goes up and to top it all off, you have no idea when it will all stop.
Stress is there for all of us- whether it is about paying bills, getting that essay in on time, learning everything for your exam, or just making sure that you meet your mate on time – it is part of our everyday lives.
Some stress can be good for us though. Stress can help you perform, make sure that you meet that deadline, and make life a little more interesting. At some times though, stress can take over your life and become too much to cope with.
What are the symptoms?
physical changes |
mental changes |
How is stress caused for students?
For lots of us, University life can be very stressful. More than half of students (53%) said they had become more stressed since starting university, according to the Student Living Report 2002, an ongoing survey of student experiences carried out by MORI for the UNITE Group plc.
So what stresses you out? Most students cite the following as adding to the stress of student life:
- financial worries
- exam pressure
- burden of coursework
- relationship problems
- juggling university work with other commitments
- no regular income
How to minimise your stress?
If you are struggling with your coursework or exams then go and see your personal tutor for some advice. Making up things like revision timetables can help you feel like you are managing your time and work better. Also, make sure that you give yourself a break when you are studying – your brain needs time to re-charge and relax.
If you have financial worries there are sources of funding available to you. Check out this section of the SU website for more help - www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/welfare/welfare_money.php
Most of all, do not feel like you are alone. Talk to your friends and tutors about it as they may think of practical solutions to help you minimise your stress. Also, talking always helps you let off a bit of steam!
Useful Contacts:
The Student Advice and Representation Centre in the Portland Building, has loads of free leaflets and information that is available for you to pick up. Drop in anytime:
- Monday: 9am - 4pm
- Tuesday: 9am - 4pm (during term-time we are usually also available in the Amenities Centre at Sutton Bonington on Tuesday afternoons)
- Wednesday: 10am - 5pm (9am - 4pm vacations)
- Thursday: 9am - 4pm
- Friday: 9am - 4pm
Email: student-advice-centre@nottingham.ac.uk
University of Nottingham Counselling Service, Trent Building, University Park. To make a free appointment call 0115 951 3695 Appointments can be made at University sites at Sutton Bonnington, Boston, Lincoln, Derby, Mansfield and Nottingham.
Mind (National Association for Mental Health)
15-19 Broadway
London E15 4BQ
Tel: 020 8519 2122
Mind Infoline: 0845 766 0163 (Mon-Fri 9.15am-4.15pm)
E-mail: contact@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
c/o Chris
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
How to Cope with the Stress of Student Life
www.mind.org.uk/Information
University of Nottingham Students' Union
Portland Building, University Park , Nottingham NG7 2RD
Tel: + 44 (0)115 846 8800 Fax: + 44 (0)115 846 8801
© 2005 University of Nottingham Students' Union