It is a harsh truth that the cost of living crisis is going to stay for a while, and we will have to make tough decisions in this challenging environment. We have two choices to deal with it, either we stay under stress and continue worrying about the uncertainty we all are dealing with at the moment, or accept it and look out for ways to minimise its impact on our quality of life.
As students, we already have a lot of things to deal with and worrying about finances is like carrying constant pressure. The ongoing cost of living crisis not only impacts our finances and daily decisions but also has an effect on our mental well-being, which should not go ignored.
We must prioritise our mental and physical health, and that requires us to strike a balance to make difficult decisions.
1. Adjusting to the new environment
2. If an International student, adjusting and familiarising ourselves.
3. Developing a study routine
4. Making new friends or often feeling isolated
5. Language barriers
6. Cultural differences
7. Budget constraints
8. Homesickness
9. Assignment deadlines
10. Personal relationship issues
11. Poor time-management
12. Managing between study and part-time work
Managing Stress As A Student
It is difficult to open up and seek help when you feel lost and confused in the situation you are in. Managing stress as a student has never been easy, as student life comes with a mix of uncertainties, meeting deadlines and also managing expectations. The only source of strength that can make a difference, is our ability to grow through what we go through in our daily life.
Here are a few ways you can seek help and talk about what is bothering you:
Acknowledgement – Stress is your body’s response to react to any uncertain or unwarranted situation. You are bound to feel anxious and overwhelmed if you find yourself in a situation you never planned. Accept the stress and work on it.
Compartmentalise your pain areas: It works for me, I segregate all my pain and worries in separate boxes (mentally) I don’t mix them up and deal with one problem at a time. We have to constantly remind ourselves to focus on the problem of utmost priority. This helps to lower down the feeling of anxiety.
Talk to Someone: The most serious, yet one of the hardest things to do. There is a sense of shame attached to opening up about our feelings. It doesn’t have to be this way, you can reach out to the Advice and Support team at DUSA and talk about your situation. We know life can get in the way, but there is always time for a chat.
Get enough sleep, minimise online content overload, and invest in self-care. It is really worth the bother.
Useful Links and Resources:
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential listening and information service run by students, for students.
Phone: 01382 381 183
Email:listening@dundeeuni.nightline.ac.uk
Time: 8 pm-12 am
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Breathing Space Scotland
This a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed.
Phone:0800 83 85 87
Time: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6 pm to 2 am
Weekend: Friday 6 pm-Monday 6 am
Website: https://breathingspace.scot/
Shout (Crisis Text line)
If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, or not quite yourself, Just text. Free, anonymous, at any time and doesn’t appear on phone bills.
TEXT 85258
Time: Text 24 hours a day
Website: https://giveusashout.org/
Anxiety UK
Provides accessible and personalised services to those who have experienced anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.
Phone:03444 775 774/07537 416 905
Website:https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Time:9.30am-5.30pm(Mon-Fri)
Young Minds
The UK’s leading charity fighting for young people’s mental health. Aims to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, and when they need it.
Phone: 0808 802 5544
Text YM to 85258 -24/7
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help
Time: 9.30 am-4 pm (Mon-Fri)
Priyanka Joshi is a web content writer and advice & support officer at DUSA.
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