Library & Learning Services

Hi, I’m Anthea, a mature student and a mum, and balancing both has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Managing my studies alongside family life has sometimes left me feeling overwhelmed, and it’s taken a toll on my mental health. With World Mental Health Awareness Day, I want to share how mental health can impact learning and explore what we can do to cope, especially for those of us juggling multiple responsibilities. If you’ve been struggling, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. Let’s explore the challenges and strategies that can help.

Concentration and Focus: A Daily Battle

Ever tried to study while feeling like your brain is in overdrive? When you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, focusing on anything—let alone lectures and assignments—can feel impossible. Your mind races with worries, making it hard to take in information. On days when my mental health is low, I find it hard to even pay attention to people talking to me. In lectures, it can feel like the world is spinning, and I just want to escape.

What Helps Me: When I struggle with focus, I break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and use time management techniques I learned through UniSkills. The library’s UniSkills workshops have been a huge help in developing my ability to manage my workload more effectively, and they offer practical advice to get back on track.

Memory Struggles: When Your Brain Won’t Cooperate

Mental health issues also mess with your memory. You know that feeling when you try to remember something, and it’s like your brain just won’t cooperate? It’s frustrating. Stress and anxiety make it harder to retain information, leading to even more frustration.

What Helps Me: I use a simple breathing technique—4-4-4-4: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again, and repeat. It helps me calm down and refocus. I’ve also found that asking for help from the Catalyst Helpdesk has been beneficial. They provide great guidance on resources that can support both my studies and mental health.

Motivation: When Everything Feels Like a Chore

Depression and anxiety often zap your motivation. Things that used to make you happy or excited—like hanging out with friends or participating in class—can suddenly feel exhausting or pointless. Some days, just getting out of bed can feel like a victory.

What Helps Me: Setting small, achievable goals has been key. On days when my motivation is low, I set tiny goals for myself—sometimes it’s as simple as getting dressed or completing one task. The feeling of accomplishing something, no matter how small, helps me keep moving forward.  UniSkills has also helped me build better study habits that break tasks into manageable steps, which has been a real game-changer.

Feeling Isolated: A Silent Struggle

Mental health can also make you feel isolated, even when you’re surrounded by people. You might feel like everyone else has it together, which only makes you pull away more.

What Helps Me: Reaching out for support, whether it’s through friends, family, or university services, has been vital. Talking with someone from the university’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team helped me realise I’m not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for help.

So, What Can We Do?

If you’re struggling, reach out. Whether it’s talking to a mental health and wellbeing practitioner or accessing services like those offered through the library, there’s support available.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing team offers a variety of support to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing including a range of self-help resources, advice and guidance on coping strategies and free therapy.

Poor mental health can make studying a lot harder, but it’s something we can get through together. Whether it’s reaching out for help or just understanding what’s going on with your mind, there are ways to cope. Remember, you’re not alone in this—and things will get better.

Let’s break the silence and support each other along the way.

Remember, you’re not alone in this – things will get better.

Hi everyone my name is Katie and, as a recent graduate, I wanted to share some insights and tips with you that I wish I had known when I first started at Edge Hill. Over the course of my degree, I’ve had chance to explore and benefit from the amazing resources and support offered by Library and Learning Services. In this blog I will share some of the key things that made a difference to me and my student experience.

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