STRESS & MENTAL HEALTH

Some helpful hints for exam time.

Students frequently experience insomnia, headaches, anxiety, poor concentration, neck and back pain, indigestion and constipation at examination time. These symptoms can be prevented or minimised by adopting a healthy lifestyle and a commonsense approach.

Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling and rowing raises energy levels, improves concentration and increases the quality of sleep. Adequate sleep increases study efficiency. Study quality, not quantity, is important. Studying all night before and examination is a risky strategy that can result in exhaustion and severe impairment of performance the following day.

Exercise also helps prevent constipation and haemorrhoids which are occupational hazards of sedentary, dehydrated and busy students.

With these points in mind -

• Maintain a routine. Work during the day, sleep at night. Students who slip into night shift mode or unusual work/sleep patterns often suffer exhaustion and disorientation.
• Take frequent short breaks. During periods of intense study it is important to get up, walk and stretch.
• Do no go straight to bed after ceasing work. Take a break and relax by taking a warm bath or shower, watching television, reading a book or listening to music. The activity should be calming.
• Meditate or perform relaxation techniques. Instruction in the latter is available from Student Support Services

Support services for mental health

Consultant Psychiatrists are available to students for appointments at the UHS, St Lucia campus. You will need to first be referred by one of the doctors at this practice.

Personal counselling is available at Student Services

There are information brochures available on various mental health conditions on the Queensland Health site.

Suicide prevention information site:
http://www.mentalhealth.gov.au
http://www.lifeline.org.au
http://www.reachout.com.au

Staff of University of Queensland can access the Staff Assistance Scheme Staff Assistance Services provide confidential and voluntary counselling and assistance for all University of Queensland staff. Its purpose is to help staff resolve problems which affect their work performance or ability to function socially within their work environment.