Disabilities

Hello lovelies,

This week we've been focusing on disabilities and how these can interact with mental health. Today I'm going to talk a little bit about how physical disabilities and mental health can exist hand in hand, and what we can do to help.

UK researchers have found that 30% of those with a long term physical condition also have a mental health problem, and 46% of people with a mental health problem have a physical condition. This is because of lots of reasons. A physical disability could lead to the inability to leave the house, which in turn might lead to loneliness and depression. Anxiety and stress could result from constantly worrying about accessibility and pain.

It is important to also highlight that having a mental health disorder can also increase the likelihood of becoming disabled. Lack of self care can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Alcohol and substance abuse, self-harm and eating disorders can also leave lasting damage. Even if your mental health is managed, you can be left physically disabled because of its long-term effects on the body.

I believe that doing very simple things can help - such as ensuring that all areas of your university buildings are accessible to people in wheelchairs, for example. Or simply ensuring that your self care includes going to your GP when things aren't feeling right, both physically and mentally. Eating right and getting a little bit of exercise can do you and your body the world of good.

As ever, Nightline is here to help, every night of term.

-Wendy

SAD and low mood

It's that time of year again when things get a little bit grey - there's no wonder that this Monday is known as Blue Monday! Today we're going to talk a little bit about SAD and low mood, and what you can do at this time of year to combat it.

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder - this basically means that people tend to get a little bit low at this time of year. The NHS estimates that SAD affects around 1 in 15 people in the UK between September and April. That’s a lot!

It’s a bit different from depression, as depression can happen at any time of the year and is a longer-term condition than SAD. However, some symptoms are quite similar, and include oversleeping, low mood, tiredness, and changes in appetite. Sounds like you? It sounds like me too!

One of the best ways to combat SAD in particular is light therapy - there are certain types of lamps that mimic natural daylight. Not only are they great for taking selfies (an unexpected perk!) but they also help combat SAD! Maybe talk to your GP about getting one, if you think that this would help.

Another way to help low mood at this time of year is to make sure you get outside. Although it isn't quite as lovely as taking a long walk on a summer's day, it has been shown that getting outside helps with SAD, as you're getting out in the fresh air and doing a bit of exercise alongside it.

Remember, Nightline is always here to help!

-Wendy

Exam Stress

Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Nightline blog. We've got a lot of exciting things coming up in the next few weeks, and I for one can't wait to share them with you!

For a lot of us, returning to university after the winter break means one thing - exams. Exams bring out anxiety in nearly all of us, even the most confident of students! But we're here today to help calm any nerves you might be feeling.

First things first, make sure that exams don't take over your life. You have to schedule in time for yourself, whether that be a quick walk around your neighbourhood, a healthy snack or a chat with one of your friends. You'll study better if you take regular breaks, get a good night's sleep, and eat healthily. Having a bit of fun will help relieve stress, and ensure that you don't burn out before the exam.

It's also been shown that studying for short bursts and taking regular breaks helps aid memory - get into a routine of studying for around 25 minutes, and then take a short break of 5 minutes. That way you're not overtaxing your brain with too many facts at once! Another good idea is to ensure that you're studying in the right way for you, whether that be by rewriting notes, teaching your material to somebody, or using flashcards.

If you think that your exam anxiety goes a bit further than normal stress, please don't think that there isn't anyone to help you - one of the first things to do if you know that you suffer from exam anxiety is to go to your tutor and chat to them about it. It's okay to admit that you're having trouble, and ultimately your university is there to help you.

Finally, don't forget that although exams are important, they aren't a measure of you as a person. If you have a bit of trouble in an exam, that doesn't make you any less of an amazing person.

Don't forget, Nightline is here to help, every night of term.

Yours,

-Wendy