At DCU, we distinguish between mental health (how you cope with life’s stresses) and mental wellbeing (your ability to feel good and enjoy life). Whether you’re thriving or just surviving, we have the tools to help you find your balance.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Key aspects of mental health include:
Emotional: Managing your feelings and staying positive.
Psychological: Having a sense of purpose and self-esteem.
Social: Building strong relationships and a sense of belonging.
Resilience
Resilience isn't something you're born with. It's a skill you build. It helps you navigate setbacks and academic pressure.
Adaptability: Stay flexible when things change.
Self-Awareness: Know your strengths and limits.
Social Support: Don't go it alone; lean on your community.
Growth Mindset: View every setback as a learning opportunity.
Disordered Eating
If you have an unhealthy relationship with food that's affecting your eating habits, this is usually a sign of an eating disorder.
- spending a lot of time worrying about your weight and body shape
- avoiding socialising that involves food
- eating very little food
- making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat
- exercising too much
- having very strict habits or routines around food
- changes in your mood
You may also notice physical signs, including: (HSE)
- feeling cold, tired or dizzy
- problems with your digestion
- your weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height
- not getting your period
- dramatic weight loss
- lying about how much and when they've eaten, or how much they weigh
- eating a lot of food very fast
- going to the bathroom a lot after eating, often returning looking flushed
- exercising too much
- avoiding eating with others
- cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
- wearing loose or baggy clothes to hide their weight loss
Getting help for an eating disorder
If your relationship with food or your body feels overwhelming, support is available.
Speak to your GP as soon as you can.
If you need to speak with someone our Counselling service and Health Service is always here to help.
For national supports you can find information from BodyWhys - The national eating disorders association of Ireland at Bodywhys.ie
Getting help for someone else
Someone with an eating disorder might be secretive and defensive about eating and their weight. It can be difficult to know what to do if you're concerned for them. Let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see their GP. You could offer to go along with them.
Financial Wellbeing
DCU has a Student Financial Assistance Service which explains grants and bursaries available and offers advice on how to budget. Visit our Student Financial Assistance section for further information.
If you need Counselling support you can visit our Counselling & Personal Development Service
Nationally, The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free, independent, confidential and non-judgmental money advice and budgeting service for all members of the public.
Getting Help
Getting Help:
If you need support for your mental wellbeing you can make an appointment with our Counselling and Personal Development Service.
If you are away from campus or need assistance after college hours, visit our Out of Hours Support for resources and support available during these times.
Take a look at the excellent resources developed by the Counselling Service to help with anxiety, depression, stress, resilience and a range of other issues.
The HSE website provides comprehensive information about mental health difficulties, offers self-help tools and activities, and provides advice on how to cope with some difficult life situations.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
Struggling with your Mental Wellbeing? You’re not alone. Access our free resources designed to help you manage student life and find your balance.
Self-Care and Wellbeing Tips for Exam Season
Exam time self-care basics for DCU students.