As we approach the final lap of the semester, many of us can feel increasingly stressed out, or even burnt out. Assignments and deadlines are piling up incessantly, and the content covered in lectures are getting heavier and faster. It feels hard to keep up. Before we continue to drown in the heavy workload accumulated over the weeks, let us take a step back and prioritise our mental (and physical) health, and not just during a long weekend!
What is Mental Wellness and why is it important?
According to the Singapore Association for Mental Health, Mental Wellness is a positive state of mental health. By first understanding what Mental Wellness is, we can then work towards sustaining it in the long run. Mental Wellness is important as it plays a huge role in our quality of life. Poor mental health could potentially affect our daily lives, relationships, performance, overall well-being and even our physical health.
Setting Boundaries
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Personal space is vital in ensuring our Mental Wellness. By setting boundaries when necessary, we are safeguarding the personal space that we need in order to recharge. Learn how to say no when needed. If you are extremely worn out from a long day of studying and attending classes, and all you want is to lie down on your cozy bed and get a good night’s rest, learn how to say no to others. Decide for yourself what is best for you and act on it, instead of giving in to the fear of missing out (FOMO). If you are too tired to get supper with your friends, you can always say no and get some well-needed rest instead. By establishing clear boundaries when necessary, we can safeguard our mental wellness while learning to make decisions for ourselves.
Dealing with Loneliness
With everyone having different schedules and lives, loneliness can get even more prevalent in University. For those staying in hostels, the loneliness can intensify over the winter and summer breaks when most local residents have moved back home. Homesickness can also intensify at times.
To deal with loneliness in University, consider being more involved in various activities, such as through Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)! Some CCAs are ongoing even during the semester breaks, so you can always find like-minded people to engage in your hobby together. Within hostels, there are also interest groups that you can form and join. Consider bringing an item from home that makes you feel at home—it could be a stuffed toy from your childhood, pictures of your family and friends, anything! You can also try to maintain contact with your family and friends back at home through frequent video calls.
Finding Help and Seeking Support
Ready to find help and seek support but not sure where to start? Here is a list of services provided by NUS that you can consider reaching out to.
University Health Centre (UHC)
UHC offers a wide range of healthcare services.
University Counselling Services (UCS)
Counselling services where you can speak to mental health professionals are available for free for all full-time NUS students.
NCU provides coordinated end-to-end care to NUS students and staff affected by sexual misconduct through a variety of channels and services.
Faculty Student Support Managers
Faculty Student Support Managers can help you through your academic journey, as well as refer you to services such as UCS if necessary.
Lifeline NUS (+65 6516 7777)
Lifeline NUS is a 24-hour hotline for life-threatening psychological emergencies.
PSS are situated at PitStop@UTown, who will be able to lead you to the necessary help you may need.
PitStop provides NUS students with a cosy place to recharge during the day. There are currently five PitStops operating around campus.
OSA Student Wellness is a team of mental health professionals who provide students with socioemotional support during times of distress. They also provide training for students to increase their knowledge of self-care and seeking help.
Lecturer/Tutor/Professor
You can always approach your lecturers, tutors, or professors if you need help, especially in the academic realm. Speak to them about the difficulties you are facing, and they will be ready to listen to your concerns.
Family and Friends
Your family and friends know you the best. While mental health professionals can offer you specialised help, the emotional support from your family and friends is unique and valuable.
Hostel Residential Life Staff
Each hostel has their own Residential Wellness Managers (RWMs), Masters and Resident Fellows to provide residents with the support they need.
List of RWMs of the respective hostels.
