Supporting Student Mental Health Over the Festive Break
Helping students navigate challenges through proactive support
The festive season brings joy, rest, and celebration for many. However, it can also be a period filled with stress, loneliness, and anxiety, and students are more likely to be exposed to traumatic events like domestic violence over the winter break. Without the regular support of routines and peer interactions, students may find it challenging to manage their mental health independently. It’s essential that we actively encourage wellness practices that can help students feel supported during this period at home.
Encourage Healthy Routines and Self-Care
Routine plays a vital role in mental health. With the break disrupting regular academic schedules, students may struggle to maintain a sense of structure. Encourage them to stick to routines, even when on holiday. Simple activities, such as regular exercise, sleep, and balanced nutrition, can greatly impact emotional well-being. Provide resources that highlight self-care practices. Websites like NHS Every Mind Matters offer practical advice on maintaining mental health through positive habits and self-care techniques.
Foster Social Connection and Community
Isolation and loneliness are common challenges for students during the festive season, especially for those unable to return home. Encourage students to reach out to friends or family members to maintain a sense of connection. Sharing helplines like Childline or addresses of local shelters can be life savers over the holidays, as well.
Build Resilience with eQuoo
Building resilience is essential for students as they navigate seasonal challenges and academic pressures. eQuoo, our clinically-proven mental health app, offers a gamified approach to building emotional resilience. The app uses interactive storytelling and psychology-backed techniques to help users strengthen their coping mechanisms and build their emotional toolkit. Encouraging students to engage with eQuoo over the break can make a meaningful difference in their mental health journey.
Provide Access to Mental Health Hotlines and Support
Educational institutions can provide students with a list of mental health hotlines and emergency contacts, so they know where to turn in times of distress. National and regional mental health organisations often have dedicated resources and phone lines available, even during the holiday season.
Promote Positive Mental Health Messaging
Finally, sharing positive mental health messages before students leave for break can make an impact. Encourage tutors to reinforce that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, and remind students of all the resources they can access. Establishments can send supportive emails, share social media posts, and place information on virtual platforms to keep mental health top of mind.
Lasting Impact Beyond the Festive Break
Supporting students’ mental health during the festive season isn’t only about the break itself; it’s about setting them up for continued success. By providing resources, and encouraging resilience-building tools like eQuoo, educational institutions can make a lasting difference. Mental health awareness, access to support, and resilience training are all investments that extend far beyond the holidays.
With proactive strategies in place, educational establishments can help students return to campus refreshed, resilient, and ready to thrive in the new year.
To find out more about eQuoo, get in touch using the form below to earn more about how we can support you.
