The document provides 10 tips for students to maintain good mental health and well-being. It recommends eating 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily to stay energized, exercising regularly to feel happier through endorphins, and socializing with friends in moderation including limiting alcohol. Additional tips include making living spaces comfortable, volunteering to meet people and help others, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from student services or external organizations if needed.

1. TOP 10 TIPS
FOR YOU

2. Eating five pieces of fruit or veg a day to stay
healthy is not just good for our bodies. Eating
healthily prevents you feeling sluggish and tired,
increases concentration and give you the much
needed energy to stay awake for the last 10
minutes of a Friday afternoon lecture

3. Ok, so sweating it out at the gym every day
may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but just
walking more, or having a dance can actually
make you feel happier. Joining a sports club or
walking club will also give you a chance to
meet people and try new things. Exercise
releases endorphins in the brain, stimulating a
better mood.

4. Socialising can also be beneficial to you, BUT
this doesn’t always have to involve alcohol.
Although you may think drink helps forget
your worries, it can actually do the opposite.
Alcohol is not a stimulant it is a depressant
drug and should be used in moderation.

5. Having a laugh is always a good way to
improve your mood. Spending time with your
friends or family can always make you feel
good about yourself and life in general. An
easy way to do this is by joining a society or
club. Go to the Student union to see what
societies can be formed.

6. Your mental health is influenced by your
surroundings, so try to make your living space
somewhere you want to be. Put photos up on
your wall, make your room comforting.
Managing money is really important too- debt
and financial difficulties can be stressful. Living
well doesn’t mean spending lots, being with
friends and looking after yourself can be done
within budget

7. Make sure you don’t over do it. Being a
student does mean course work, revision
and exams but try to take breaks in
between work and social time. Take a walk
and get some fresh air-being in green
spaces can help lift your mood.

8. Make the most of your spare time and do
something FUN. Volunteering isn’t just
something good to put on you CV, it’s a
great way to meet new friends and do
something for others. There’s lots you can
do, from being a class rep to helping a
good cause.

9. Its important to know where to go for support.
Whether you just want to talk to someone, or
need help with a specific issue, there is always
someone. At College you can call into to
Learner Services or at the end of this
presentation there is a list of organisations out
there who can also help you.

10. It can be easy to let the bad things
overshadow your day and forget the little
things that make you smile, especially when
times are tough. Try to get into the habit of
ending your day on a POSITIVE. Before you go
to bed, write down the good things that have
happened to make you smile

11. Sleeping and student life don’t always
seem to go together but you should aim
for about 8 hours every night. A lack of
sleep not only causes tiredness but has
been associated with mental problems

12. Depression Alliance Scotland
http://www.dascot.org/
Scottish Association for Mental Health
http://www.samh.org.uk/
Samaritans – 24/7 support
http://www.samaritans.org/
or call 08457 90 90 90

13. Drinkaware
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
Frank
Advice and information on drug use
www.talktofrank.com/
Bipolar Fellowship Scotland
http://www.bipolarscotland.org.uk/

14. National Schizophrenia Fellowship Scotland
http://www.nsfscot.org.uk/
Students against depressions
http://www.studentdepression.org/
b-eat- leading UK Charity for eating disorders
http://www.b-eat.co.uk/Home
National Self-Harm Network
http://www.nshn.co.uk/

15. Me – Working against stigma and
discrimination of mental health
http://www.seemescotland.org.uk/