Managing mental health while studying

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.

Why looking after your mental health while studying is important

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.

What students are facing today

• A May 2025 report from the Association of Colleges (AoC) found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of colleges have seen an increase in the number of 16 to 18-year-olds experiencing suicidal thoughts

• 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.

• Nationally, two-thirds (64%) of young adults (16-25) in Britain report having experienced or currently experiencing mental health difficulties.

What can contribute to poor mental health as a student?

Pressure to succeed

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 back-burner.

Poor work-life balance

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.

Debt

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.

Being away from home

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.

Pre-existing mental health concerns

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.

What are the signs you may be experiencing poor mental health?

• Stressful emotions when thinking about your coursework and revision

• Mood changes around your course mates, friends and family

• Social withdrawal

• Neglecting self-care

• Potentially engaging in risky behaviours (such as increased alcohol or drug use)

• Negative self-talk

• Poor focus during teaching time

• Procrastination due to emotional dysregulation

• Sleep disturbances

• Physical manifestations such as feeling run down, headaches and stomach aches

How to manage your mental health during your studies

1. Ensure you’re registered with a GP

This especially applies to students living away from home. Having access to a GP means you can reach out and book an appointment when you need it.

2. Create a routine for yourself

Having a routine can help you balance work with rest and play. When you get your college or university timetable, it’s a good idea to plot these out in your calendar and plan study, rest and social time in between. Ensure you schedule in time for adequate rest too (yes, we’re talking to you party people!), as rest will be key in helping you cope with exam pressure and deadlines.

3. Have a support network

Whether it’s friends you’ve made at university or friends and family at home, having people you can talk to can help you cope during periods of distress. There may be occasions where students feel isolated and like they don’t want to bother anyone with their concerns. It’s important to understand you are not alone and that sharing your concerns can help facilitate recovery.

4. Have social breaks between studying

If you’ve got a solid study routine down, it needs to have some time in for socialising. Not only does it balance out studies, but it helps get you out of your home (or dorm) to be around others. Alternatively, having a society or club you can join in an area of interest is a great way to balance studying with socialising!

5. Seek professional support if you need to

Having access to a student counsellor or student assistance programme can also be a great help for those who need professional support. Counsellors act as a third-party and can provide impartial advice to help students navigate things like stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms as a result of pre-existing conditions.

6. Plan a trip home if you need to

Having a trip home to look forward to can bring about some much-needed comfort if you’re struggling. This is especially so for students living away from home. Just because you’ve moved to university doesn’t mean you have to feel trapped – seek support and be around loved ones if you feel it will support your mental health.

How a student assistance programme can help

A student assistance programme may be available at your university or college for you to seek support for your mental health while you’re studying. If they’re with HA | Wisdom Wellbeing, you’ll receive 24/7 access to qualified counselling support 365-days a year. You can also self-track your wellbeing and access a wealth of mental health resources via the Wisdom app. Wisdom also allows you to track your daily mood so you can see how your moods change over time – which is especially helpful during exam season!

Conclusion

Managing mental health while studying is going to be key to your academic success. Through small changes, a balanced routine and access to a support network, you can manage your mental health while still hitting your deadlines and having time to socialise with your peers.