Men’s mental health tips for university students

Mental health statistics paint a complex picture and could easily lead you to believe that women bear the brunt of common mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress.

While women do tend to receive more diagnoses for these conditions, it’s not because they experience them more than men — it’s because they’re more likely to seek help.

Men are frequently overlooked in these statistics due to their reluctance to admit to mental health issues or seek support — resulting in a crisis that often goes unnoticed.

The gravity of this issue becomes alarmingly clear when you consider that suicide ranks as the leading cause of death in men under 35, comprising a staggering three-quarters of all suicides in the UK.

Likewise, statistics regarding higher education show that 69% of university suicides occur among male students.

Join us as we dive into the mental health landscape of male students — shedding light on statistics, outlining potential triggers, and providing guidance for those grappling with mental health challenges.

University student mental health

Navigating university life is hard — being away from the comforts of home, managing a tight budget during a cost-of-living crisis, juggling relentless deadlines, and grappling with the pressure of exams.

Layer on the complexities of forging new friendships and romantic relationships, and it’s a lot for anyone to cope with.

The final year of university amplifies these challenges with its weightier workload, intensifying the mental and emotional strain on students.

In a disquieting revelation, research conducted by Student Minds uncovered that a staggering 50% of UK students currently grapple with a mental health issue.

What’s equally concerning is the discovery that one in four students is uncertain about where to seek vital mental health support within the university system when they find themselves in need.

Mental health resources for Leeds students

When mental health becomes a concern, taking the first step — like reaching out to your GP — is crucial. If that feels daunting or you’ve already explored that avenue, universities offer valuable resources to support you through difficult times.

For students navigating life in Leeds, here’s a curated list of helpful links tailored to meet your mental health needs:

The University of Leeds

• University of Leeds student support and wellbeing resources
• Leeds University Union student wellbeing resources
• University of Leeds counselling and wellbeing service

Leeds Beckett University

• Leeds Beckett University student mental health resources
• Leeds Beckett University student wellbeing resources

Leeds Trinity University

• Leeds Trinity University student mental health and wellbeing service
• Leeds Trinity University student support and wellbeing resources

Leeds Arts University

• Leeds Arts Union student mental health resources
• Leeds Arts Union student wellbeing and mindfulness resources

These resources are designed to provide tailored support and guidance for students across various institutions in Leeds. Whether you’re seeking counselling, mindfulness practices, or general support, these services can serve as a lifeline during challenging times.

General mental health resources

For those seeking mental health support beyond their university, a wealth of free resources is available to lend a helping hand:

• Student Space from Student Minds: A hub brimming with student-specific advice, information, narratives, and crucial support. Call free on 0808 808 4994 from 3 pm to midnight daily, use the webchat feature, or start a conversation by texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. You can also drop them an email at students@themix.org.uk.
• YoungMinds: A charitable organisation offering young people comprehensive guidance, support, and advice around mental health.
• PAPYRUS: A charity committed to preventing youth suicide. Seek advice by calling 0800 068 4141 or texting 07860 039967 at any time of day or night. Alternatively, reach out via email at pat@papyrus-uk.org.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): On a mission to combat suicide across the UK, this charity offers support via phone on 0800 585858 from 5 pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Use the webchat feature on their website if you don’t enjoy phone calls.

In moments of urgency, contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 or connect with the Samaritans at 116 123 for immediate assistance. For situations with imminent risk of harm, dial 999 without delay.

Should you identify with a specific mental health issue like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seeking support from organisations (like PTSD UK, for the given example) can be invaluable.

Tips for managing men’s mental health

The data indicates that men often fail to prioritise their well-being, so these tips gently guide men through simple yet impactful self-care practices.

Although tailored for men, these tips offer universal guidance applicable and beneficial to individuals of any gender. These self-care suggestions aim to empower everyone in fostering a healthier and more balanced approach to student life.

Build social connections

Establishing robust social connections and a support network is pivotal for mental well-being, as isolation can significantly impact mental health.

It’s natural to be drawn to the vibrant, outgoing individuals who exude energy and fun when forging friendships. However, it’s essential to diversify your social circle.

While enjoying the company of friends who want to party 24/7, consider nurturing relationships with individuals who enjoy navigating deeper conversations about emotions and thoughts.

By fostering a varied social network, you create an environment that supports fun times and more profound connections during times of need.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is a powerful tool that benefits both your body and mind. Studies reveal that individuals engaging in exercise experience 40% fewer poor mental health days compared to those who don’t.

To harness these mental health benefits, research suggests aiming for three to five 45-minute weekly exercise sessions to uplift your mood.

It’s essential to strike a balance, though — avoid exceeding three hours of exercise per session, as this will likely adversely affect your mental well-being.

The key is finding activities you genuinely enjoy. Experiment with various forms of exercise daily, or consider joining a new university society or sports team to diversify your routine.

While any physical activity contributes positively, cycling, aerobic exercises, gym workouts, and team sports tend to yield the most substantial mental health benefits.

Carve out time for a hobby

Allocate time for activities that bring you joy, even within a busy schedule. If a beloved hobby fell by the wayside since the start of your degree, consider reigniting that passion.

For those without a recent hobby, seize the opportunity to embark on a new pursuit. Dive into your university’s array of societies, exploring options that resonate with your interests. Additionally, look into local classes or teams that might align with your passions.

It’s crucial to prioritise self-care by granting yourself the gift of time. Despite student life’s hectic nature, neglecting personal time can affect your well-being.

You cultivate a sense of balance that enriches your life beyond academic commitments by carving out moments for activities you enjoy.

Nourish your body

Caring for your body and mind begins with consuming nutritious, wholesome foods.

University students often gravitate toward processed and refined foods — neglecting essential fresh fruits and vegetables.

However, embracing a balanced diet can work wonders. It not only alters how you feel but also enhances brain function and alleviates symptoms of depression.

You provide the foundation for optimal physical health and mental well-being by nourishing yourself with various nutrient-rich foods.

Reduce alcohol intake

Minimising alcohol consumption can significantly impact your emotional state and behaviour, given its depressive effects.

It’s common for young men to view alcohol as a means to unwind or boost confidence during social outings. However, these fleeting benefits often give way to adverse emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety in the aftermath.

Similarly, relying on drugs isn’t a solution to underlying issues. Take a moment to understand the motivations behind your drinking or drug use — is it purely for enjoyment or to avoid confronting challenging thoughts and emotions?

Understanding these reasons can help you make more mindful choices.