12 Subtle Signs your Mental Wellbeing might need attention at University

#1 The night owl on a loop

You promise you’ll stop scrolling after one more video — and it’s suddenly 3 AM. This is digital overstimulation, where quick dopamine hits keep you awake while stress and sleep debt pile up.

Try this: Set a bedtime alarm, charge your phone away from your bed, and swap scrolling for a calming playlist. If sleep stays difficult, talk to your GP or university wellbeing team.

#2 The knowledge hoarder

Endless research and planning but no action? That’s intellectual avoidance — learning as a shield against fear of failure.

Try this: Complete one imperfect task today. Academic coaching or counselling can help tackle perfectionism and procrastination.

#3 The impulsive adventurer

Switching modules on a whim or spending impulsively? That rush can be impulse dysregulation — acting before thinking.

Try this: Pause for ten seconds before decisions. If impulsivity feels out of control, reach out to your GP or uni mental health advisor.

#4 The invisible one

Avoiding social plans or group chats? This can be social withdrawal linked to anxiety or low self-esteem.

Try this: Start with one coffee meet-up or join a low-pressure society. Student unions and NHS Talking Therapies support social anxiety.

#5 The energised overachiever

Running on adrenaline with no rest? That surge may be hypomanic-style highs within the bipolar spectrum.

Try this: Track your sleep and energy. If extreme highs and crashes persist, book your GP — early support matters.

#6 The story spinner

Exaggerating wins or pretending to be fine can hide insecurity. Compulsive lying gives temporary relief but deepens stress.

Try this: Practise honesty with a counsellor or trusted friend. University counselling is free and confidential.

#7 The sentimental saver

Keeping every item “just in case”? Compulsive hoarding attaches emotion to clutter.

Try this: Declutter one shelf at a time. If it feels painful, contact Mind or your uni mental health team.

#8 The emotion translator

Struggling to name feelings? That’s alexithymia — emotions without labels.

Try this: Journal with “Today I felt…” or use a feelings wheel. A counsellor can help build emotional vocabulary.

#9 The unshakable calm

No joy, no sadness, just numb? Emotional blunting often appears in depression or PTSD.

Try this: Reconnect through small sensations — music, movement, cold water. If numbness lingers, contact your GP or Samaritans (116 123).

#10 The constant checker

Rereading, relocking, rechecking — brief relief followed by anxiety. These are obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Try this: Acknowledge the thought, then ground yourself. NHS Talking Therapies offers effective CBT for OCD.

#11 The quiet observer

Feeling judged or plotted against? Paranoid thinking can surface with stress or sleep loss.

Try this: Keep a “what I think vs what’s confirmed” journal. If it disrupts study or friendships, see your GP or counsellor.

#12 The self-scratcher

Nail biting, skin picking, hair pulling — these body-focused behaviours give short relief but long guilt.

Try this: Replace the habit with fidgets or doodling. If harm occurs, ask your wellbeing adviser about BFRB support.

Where to get help (UK)

• University wellbeing/counselling: free, confidential on campus.
• NHS Talking Therapies (England): self-refer for CBT and more.
• Student Space / Nightline: student-specific listening and resources.
• Samaritans 116 123: free 24/7 support.
• Emergency: If you are at immediate risk, call 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency department.

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Common questions about student mental health