How to support your flatmates' mental health and well-being

Sophia Lamberton 30 November 2021
How to support your flatmates' mental health and well-being

Don't suffer in silence. Make sure you and your roommates all have happy, healthy minds at university by following these steps.

Many of us are guilty of working hard to complete our assignments at the cost of our mental health. Because of this, it's important to keep checking in with yourself, the people you live with. While you may not realise it, there’s a lot you can do to look after your flatmates’ mental health. Here are some examples:

Try and have some fun

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine, so try and organise something fun once a week with your flatmates. Having a chilled-out evening is a great way to let off steam and bring everyone in the flat closer together, so why not have a film night or cook a meal together?

 When it comes to alcohol, look after your mental health by being sensible about how much you drink. Booze is a depressant, so drinking is probably not the best thing to do when your flatmate is feeling down.

Something as simple as wrapping up to go for a winter walk with your flatmates can be an excellent way to take a well-deserved break from studying and get to know each other.

Be kind

If you've noticed your flatmates aren't quite themselves, reach out and ask if they're ok. If they need someone to talk to, let them know you're there for them. Even if they don't open up to you, knowing that you're there for them might be all they need.

Try to be mindful of your flatmates' feelings by giving them space if they need it. Everyone has their own strategies for coping with stress.

Be an active listener

If your housemates want to talk to you, put your phone on silent and find somewhere quiet, away from any distractions to ensure you’re giving them your undivided attention. Make sure they know you're listening to them because it can take a lot of courage for someone to open up and talk about their feelings. If your flatmate wants to share their worries with you, be non-judgemental and listen to what they have to say. 

Want to find out more about how to be a good listener? Check out the Young Minds blog for some useful advice. 

Keep active

Exercise produces feel-good hormones called endorphins. One of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety is to hit the gym or go for a run. You could suggest going for a workout with your flatmate because exercising with someone else often makes you push yourself harder.

Going out for a walk is a good way to clear your head and enjoy a change of scenery. Even if it's just for 15 minutes, taking a short, active break from work is an effective way to look after your mental health. 

Why not ask your flatmate if they've ever considered joining a society? Societies are an excellent way to meet like-minded people and not all of them have to be sports-orientated; if you’re looking for something laid back, you could join a meditation group or film society. As universities begin to realise the importance of maintaining good student mental health and well-being, expect to see more groups and activities geared around wellness. Check out your university's social media accounts to find out what's going on.

If you're really concerned about your flatmates’ well-being, then signpost them to your university’s mental health services. There's an excellent range of online resources to give you tips on looking after your mental health; check out Mind's Mental Health Hub for Students for more information.

It's ok if you're unsure what to do. Remember that you're not a professional, and referring them to the right people means you won't give them the wrong advice. You guys have got this!

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Sophia Lamberton 30 November 2021