struggling badly with mental health at uni
im a first year at uni currently and im really struggling with my mental health. i love my course and ive made really good friends that isn't the issue, its that ive developed an eating disorder (AN) since around august and it got worse from november till now. being at home has meant im eating a bit more than ive been used to which is stressing me out even tho i know i need more than even that but my main thing is that i just don't have the brain power or capacity to complete my essays (3 due in under 2 weeks, all first drafts done) to the best of my ability which is so awful because im such a perfectionist and ive always been super academic (somehow my only marked uni essay so far got a first). i have zero AN support too because i refuse to admit it to my parents even tho they're worried about me so i just feel completely lost and like im losing control over my work and i don't know what to do
Original post by Anonymous
im a first year at uni currently and im really struggling with my mental health. i love my course and ive made really good friends that isn't the issue, its that ive developed an eating disorder (AN) since around august and it got worse from november till now. being at home has meant im eating a bit more than ive been used to which is stressing me out even tho i know i need more than even that but my main thing is that i just don't have the brain power or capacity to complete my essays (3 due in under 2 weeks, all first drafts done) to the best of my ability which is so awful because im such a perfectionist and ive always been super academic (somehow my only marked uni essay so far got a first). i have zero AN support too because i refuse to admit it to my parents even tho they're worried about me so i just feel completely lost and like im losing control over my work and i don't know what to do
It sounds like you're having a difficult time, this organisation may be useful to reach out to, especially if you are finding it difficult to talk to your parents: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/ There are a lot of resources on the site, such as advice on how to get treatment and how to speak to people about having an eating disorder. I really hope it helps and that you can start to feel a bit more in control with your Uni work.
Original post by Anonymous #1
im a first year at uni currently and im really struggling with my mental health. i love my course and ive made really good friends that isn't the issue, its that ive developed an eating disorder (AN) since around august and it got worse from november till now. being at home has meant im eating a bit more than ive been used to which is stressing me out even tho i know i need more than even that but my main thing is that i just don't have the brain power or capacity to complete my essays (3 due in under 2 weeks, all first drafts done) to the best of my ability which is so awful because im such a perfectionist and ive always been super academic (somehow my only marked uni essay so far got a first). i have zero AN support too because i refuse to admit it to my parents even tho they're worried about me so i just feel completely lost and like im losing control over my work and i don't know what to do
You an get support and there is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889-relate, they have a chat advisor
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, information regarding well being
Original post by Anonymous #1
im a first year at uni currently and im really struggling with my mental health. i love my course and ive made really good friends that isn't the issue, its that ive developed an eating disorder (AN) since around august and it got worse from november till now. being at home has meant im eating a bit more than ive been used to which is stressing me out even tho i know i need more than even that but my main thing is that i just don't have the brain power or capacity to complete my essays (3 due in under 2 weeks, all first drafts done) to the best of my ability which is so awful because im such a perfectionist and ive always been super academic (somehow my only marked uni essay so far got a first). i have zero AN support too because i refuse to admit it to my parents even tho they're worried about me so i just feel completely lost and like im losing control over my work and i don't know what to do
Hey darling! I have an eating disorder too & have spent 2 gap years I didn’t want out of education doing nothing because of it. I would suggest you try and understand how your ed is ‘helping you’ for example if you’re not really enjoying uni and wanting to be there it’s kind of like an escape from it yk? And also to seek some support either from your gp or with online services like beat. You sound like you’re a really good student with lots of potential & maybe your eating disorder is trying to make sure you don’t ‘fail’ at anything by not being perfect by actually just giving you a reason to not do well. I promise you eating more is what your body and brain needs and although it’s hard the long term effects will be positive. Best wishes xxx
thanks so much everyone. as of this week i have a provisional diagnosis of AN and have been referred to a specialist service by my GP following blood tests, as well as referred to my uni's disability service. just terrified of being put on a meal plan but i do want to get better
Original post by Anonymous
thanks so much everyone. as of this week i have a provisional diagnosis of AN and have been referred to a specialist service by my GP following blood tests, as well as referred to my uni's disability service. just terrified of being put on a meal plan but i do want to get better
Really glad things seem to be moving forward a bit for you in terms of support
