University Student Support Tips: by Durham University Beat Society

For University Mental Health Day, we spoke with the executive and a member of Durham University Beat Society, for their thoughts on how to support students’ mental health at university.

“Adapt your online experience”

I realised that when I’m more fixated on food, my ‘For You’ pages on social media platforms reflect that. They show me meal plans, workout plans, information around calories etc.

So, to help myself, I started saying ‘Not Interested’ to this content began unfollowing certain pages. Instead, I seeking out better and healthier online content to benefit my wellbeing.

“Keep an eye out for established parts of your routine that may be detrimental to your wellbeing”

I recognised that parts of my daily routines were not serving me in a healthy way.

I realised that hanging around with certain groups/people started influencing my behaviours – by drinking alcohol and going to bed late.

These slowly became parts of my routine that I grew used to, though they were actually really harming my wellbeing.

Of course, this is different for everyone – things that worsen my mood may not impact yours – but if you can recognise things that are negatively impacting you, you can begin making changes to your routine and start to create a healthier environment for your mind.

“Focus on how to talk to yourself”

Often when I’m in a low mood, my internal monologue is very self-critical and mean.

So, I make a conscious effort (when I can) to recognise when I am doing this and try to be more compassionate in how I talk to myself.

This includes what I say, but also the tone I say it in.

Often I can speak harshly to myself, so I try to remind myself to speak gently.

For you to remember:

We know just how daunting and anxiety-provoking navigating university life can be – and that finding true peace and acceptance can only come through a journey of ups and downs that can’t be “taught” through a social media post.

However, knowing and owning our challenges is a huge step forward in recovery… and finding a new structure can actually illuminate new, important areas to work on in our recovery.

“It doesn’t have to be university or recovery, you can do both.”

Orri Instagram Member

Orri’s online community is integral to the conversation surrounding eating disorders. We create a safe and authentic community space online that nurtures hope in recovery, and we hope we do this through the use of our social media platforms.

For anyone who would like to get involved with Orri’s mission to educating and spreading kindness to the eating disorder community, we invite you to get in touch – fill out a contact form below or alternatively, email ask@orri-uk.com.

A big thank you again to the team at Durham University Beat Society for sharing their tips for fellow students, in aid of #UniMentalHealthDay! Follow their Instagram for recovery affirmations and events in their society.

“Yes, you’re learning the subject matter for your degree, but you’re also learning about who you are.”

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If you are interested in specialist online eating disorder treatment, we have revised our online programme. Our outcome data demonstrates that our online treatment is just as effective as our in person treatment.

Did you know? A quarter of Orri’s clients are at university or sixth form whilst attending treatment.

To find out more about Orri Online, click here.

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