Students: 10 ways to protect your mental health

1. Connect  

Loneliness can affect students. Get to know your peers and join as many clubs and societies as possible – it’s really important to feel connected from the outset.

At the same time, make sure you continue with any previous connections you might have – be they spiritual, friends, family, hobbies – don’t cut them out, they’re an important part of your journey.

While on placement, peer support is crucial. Seek out the third years on your course – they’ve been in your shoes and know exactly what you’re going through. 

2. Nourish yourself

The word "nurse" comes from the Latin word “nurture” meaning "to nourish”. Don’t forget the amazing job you do nourishing others – think about how you nourish your own mind, body and soul. Eat and drink well, get good sleep. The evidence is there – success correlates with sleep. 
 
And remember: replace drinking alcohol with healthier coping strategies, be it exercise, knitting or even archery – find what works for you. 

3. Focus on the best thing 

When you finish a shift or day on placement, think about the best part, not the worst part. Even if the outcome wasn't what you wanted for your patient, don’t forget that sometimes just being with somebody is as important as healing someone. Being there and not talking can be the most powerful thing. 

4. Don't forget who you are 

It can be hard to navigate your identity as a nursing student and later as a registered nurse. We have an important role within society – as soon as you start your nurse education you take on the identity of always being a nurse first, but remember who you are. 

It’s a strange pressure we don’t even think about – there’s a weight that comes with it – a social responsibility. The most important thing is to recognise it and talk about it. Share the load.

5. Write it down 

Constantly record what’s going on.

A pen and paper or a digital notepad can get you out of sticky moments as you can record stuff – by keeping notes you’ll always know what you’re doing next and can refer back if needed, saving stress and anxiety after an event. 

6. Take ownership of your vulnerabilities 

Don’t hide any pre-existing mental health conditions or neurodiversity – own them, they're nothing to be ashamed of.

Embrace your crutches and exactly who you are in all your emotional states so you can access the support you might need.

7. Remember: struggling with essays doesn’t make you a bad nurse 

Academic writing doesn’t come easily to everyone.

If you find writing essays hard it can make you think you must be a rubbish nurse which can then stress you out and avoidance strategies kick in. Just because you may find writing hard doesn’t mean you’re a bad nurse.

• Read next: Referencing rules for student nurses

8. Take time out

It’s a tough course at times. Reward yourself when things go well and take some down time when possible.

Try to get a weekend away, take holidays if you can. You can become so absorbed with your student identity you lose perspective – you can’t be on all the time.   

Coach your network about what’s helpful and what you need from them: sometimes you might just need someone to listen so you can get something off your chest (without commentary).

Sometimes you have caring responsibilities, and this can be really challenging as this can mean extra time to plan, resource and navigate these responsibilities.

Nursing courses are almost all year round and don’t always factor in half terms or other holidays, so please take time to plan time together, academic time, and obviously time for yourself.

9. Keep in mind why you’re here

Hold on to why you wanted to become a nurse in the first place. You went into it to make a difference and to care and you’re caring for the most vulnerable. Keep the faith.

10. Reach out sooner rather than later 

Finally... 

Being a member of the RCN can be helpful in combatting stress – you’re part of a professional body that understands you and what you’re going through.