This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week’s theme is isolation and loneliness. It can be difficult when we feel lonely, and as we move into exam season, the feelings of loneliness and isolation can be exacerbated. It’s important to look after our mental health, so how can we do that?

Reach out to people

One of the most important things we can do is try to reach out to people if we’re struggling. Have you spoken to your friends or family recently? Is there someone in your class that you’ve been meaning to talk to? Now would be a great time to try and reach out and ask for some support. There is always someone who will help.

Take regular study breaks

When we study, we’re asking our brain to learn and retain lots of information, so it’s important to give our brain a break so it can process this information. This is especially important if we’re feeling low or isolated. The stress of class work and exam time can be tough, so make sure you take some time for yourself to relax.

Do something nice for others

If you can’t meet up with your friends, or if going into school has been difficult, why not do something nice for someone else? A random act of kindness can go a long way to helping us feel less isolated.

Remember to eat well and get enough sleep

Sleeping and eating well are part of the foundations to looking after our mental health. When we’re busy, sometimes we can struggle to remember to maintain these foundation blocks. Take some time to schedule your lunch breaks and try to switch off an hour before bed.

Treat yourself as your own best friend

Being kind to ourselves during difficult situations is really important. If your best friend was struggling, what would you say to them? Try speaking to yourself like this – often we need to be kind and supportive of ourselves and remember that YOU are doing your best, and that’s all that matters!

For further support, please email wellbeing@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk

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