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Mental health

By Andy Gregory on January 22, 2014

Two friends sitting on yoga mats and smiling

By Dr. Patricia Mirwaldt
Director, Student Health Services
Phone: 604.822.7011

To do well at university and enjoy your time here, you have to be healthy, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, UBC undergraduate students report their health to be excellent or very good only 54 per cent of the time.

Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of student life but there are ways to mitigate it.

  • Seek counselling when stress becomes overwhelming.
  • Talk to friends or parents about how you’re feeling.
  • Eat properly.
  • Get enough sleep and exercise.
  • Seek out quiet spaces, meditation or prayer.

Sleep problems

At least 65 per cent of UBC undergraduates report that their sleep is inadequate. And almost half of those say sleep problems resulted in a lower mark or failed course. Eighteen year olds usually need nine hours of sleep per night to be well-rested. Regular exercise during the day and relaxation one hour prior to bedtime are helpful, too.

Depression and anxiety

Depression is reported by 8.2 per cent of undergraduates, and more than 70 per cent of those report lower marks or a failed course as a result of depression. Depression is also one of the primary causes of suicidal intentions. Early detection and resolution of depression are extremely important in reducing its impact.

Anxiety, a closely related condition, can reduce concentration and impair a student’s ability to complete assignments, write exams or attend classes. Lack of sleep, overuse of caffeine and other stimulants, and a large academic load can worsen anxiety’s effects.

Some students who have been diagnosed as depressed or anxious stop their treatment as they start university, hoping for a fresh start. Typically, adjustment to university and the academic workload are very stressful in the first term, and often result in relapse. It is wise to remain in treatment for at least the first term of university. UBC offers counselling, medical and psychiatric assessment and treatment for students.

Internet and computer games

Overuse of the Internet for non-academic communications or games has been reported by 45 per cent of undergraduates with 60-75 per cent of those reporting lower marks, dropped or failed courses as a result.

It’s important to connect with family and friends online, and Internet games are often used as a relaxing interlude. However, many students have trouble limiting their use, and suffer as a result. We recommend setting limits on non-academic computer time and using other, healthier ways to relax. Go out and socialize with roommates, play sports or go for a walk.

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  • Home
  • Getting Started
    â–¼
    • Prospective Students
    • Returning Students
    • Graduate Students
    • Parents/Guardians
    • Important Dates
    • Useful Resources
  • Residences
    â–¼
    • Residences Overview
    • Residences
      â–¼
      • Acadia Park
      • Brock Commons – Tallwood House
      • Exchange
      • Fairview Crescent
      • Fraser Hall
      • Graduate Colleges
      • Iona House
      • Marine Drive
      • Orchard Commons
      • Place Vanier
      • Ponderosa Commons
      • Ritsumeikan-UBC House
      • tÉ™ Å¡xÊ·hÉ™lelÉ™mÌ“s tÉ™ k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ
      • Thunderbird
      • Totem Park
      • Walter Gage
    • Rooms & Suites
      â–¼
      • Shared Room
      • Connected Single Room
      • Single Traditional Room
      • Six Bedroom Suite
      • Four Bedroom Suite
      • Three Bedroom Suite
      • Two Bedroom Suite
      • One Bedroom Suite
      • Studio Suite
      • Nano Suite
      • Townhouse
      • Student Families
    • Residence Map
  • Applications
    â–¼
    • Essential Application Facts
    • Important Dates
    • How To Apply
    • Fees & Payments
    • Eligibility
    • How We Assign Rooms
    • Residence Contracts
    • Cancellations & Refunds
    • Subletting
  • Dining
    â–¼
    • Meal Plans
      â–¼
      • Orchard Commons, Place Vanier & Totem Park
      • Suite-Style Residences
    • Where To Eat On Campus
  • Residence Life
    â–¼
    • Community Living
      â–¼
      • Rights and Responsibilities
      • Solving Problems
      • Living With Roommates
    • Residence Standards
    • Health & Safety
      â–¼
      • Safety & Security
      • Health & Wellness
      • Counsellor in Residence
      • Fitness in Residence
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • COVID-19 Residence Rules
    • Services & Amenities
    • Moving In
      â–¼
      • Before You Leave Home
      • What Should I Pack?
      • Move In Day
      • Move In Day Volunteer Registration
    • Get Involved
    • Grad Student Programs
    • Events
    • Student Family Housing
      â–¼
      • Get Involved at Acadia Park
      • Moving In & Out of Acadia Park
    • Mindful Move Out
      â–¼
      • Cleaning and departure checklists
  • Other Housing
    â–¼
    • Living Off Campus
    • More Campus Housing
    • Visitor Housing
    • Commuter Student Hostel
    • Self-Isolation Accommodation
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