As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of returning to university stirs a familiar sense of anxiety. But this year feels different—it’s the final year. For many, including myself as a mature student, this year holds even more significance. The journey has been longer, the stakes feel higher, and the hope of transitioning into … Continue reading Navigating the Anxiety of Returning to University for Final Year as a Mature Student
Tag: mental health
The Intersection of Writing and Mental Health: Benefits, Challenges, and Self-Care Tips
Writing is a multifaceted endeavor that extends beyond mere communication or creative expression. For many, it serves as a profound tool for self-exploration, emotional catharsis, and mental clarity. However, the journey of writing also presents unique mental health challenges, including stress, self-doubt, and isolation. This article delves into how writing can influence mental health, both … Continue reading The Intersection of Writing and Mental Health: Benefits, Challenges, and Self-Care Tips
Gardening and Mental Health
When you struggle with your mental health, it’s sometimes very difficult to find things to occupy your brain when it’s screaming at you. And sometimes, when you do find something that calms you or distracts you, it can be something that you didn’t expect. I’ve never been big on gardening. When I was younger, I … Continue reading Gardening and Mental Health
Another Hip Update
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about this, so I thought I’d update you on how things are going with my hip and how I’m coping with it. After almost two years, I’m finally getting somewhere, but before I get into that, let’s rewind some to how the past few months have been. I’m … Continue reading Another Hip Update
A New Way of Writing (For Me)
Before I start this blog post properly, I just want to say that the presentation that I was anxious about doing last week went really well. I wasn’t as anxious about it as I expected, and when it came time to perform it in front of the rest of the class, I lost any anxiety … Continue reading A New Way of Writing (For Me)
A New Member of the Family
Getting a pet is something that Alex and I have discussed on and off for quite some time. Whenever we talked about it, though, we realised that it just wasn't the right time. The main reason behind this was the fact that we were always in rented accommodation, whether it be a flat or house. … Continue reading A New Member of the Family
First Week Done and Dusted
Well I started this week an absolute bundle of nerves. I was worried about everything from getting on a train, to being around and meeting new people. But I have to say that now my induction week is over, I've really quite enjoyed uni so far. I spent the week meeting lecturers and students, finding … Continue reading First Week Done and Dusted
Coming Next Week: University!
Next week I have the start of all things university. I’ll be beginning my induction week on Monday, where I will learn more about my course and meet some of the people involved in it. I’m simultaneously both looking forward to this and dreading it. My anxiety is hitting the roof right now and only … Continue reading Coming Next Week: University!
The Joys of Physio
Yesterday I went for my monthly physiotherapy appointment. Over the last week or so my hip has felt a little worse than it has done and it's felt like the exercises I've been given have just been irritating it. I mentioned it to my physio and he had to do his usual range of motion … Continue reading The Joys of Physio
University Nerves
Come September I’ll become a student for the first time since I was 17 as I head off to university to study creative writing. I had my place confirmed several months back, but when this week I officially registered, it all became real; I’m actually going. Although I’m excited to go to uni and study … Continue reading University Nerves
Gareth Ellis - Author 