Fear (of failure)
Are you worried about your studies? Do you automatically think you can't do it? Do you fear you won't pass your exams? Do you focus on what's not going well? These automatic thoughts might indicate you have fear of failure. This can have a negative impact on your well-being as a student.
Do you recognize yourself in the previous description and do you want to do something about it? Get started with the following infographics:
Recognizing fear of failure Coping with anxiety What to do in case of a panic attack
Overthinking
Do you lie awake at night thinking about an upcoming exam? Or are you constantly wondering if that paper you wrote is good enough? Worrying is the constant thinking about possible problems and negative outcomes, which can interfere with your concentration and sleep.
It's important to learn how to limit worrying and that you can direct these automatic thoughts more towards helping thoughts. Would you like to know how to do this? Get started with the following infographics:
Stress
Stress! Sometimes it seems like the word is always connected with studying. That's because, as a student, you are often faced with situations that can trigger stress.
A little stress can sometimes be useful. It sets you in motion to meet a deadline for a task, for example, and gives you a message about what is important to you in life. Too much and prolonged stress can negatively affect how you feel, think and act. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how to manage stress in a healthy way during your studies.
Would you like to know more about exactly how stress works and what you can do about it? Get started with the following infographics:
Establish your balance: energy givers vs. energy takersLearn to recognize your stress signs Do the abdominal breathing for relaxation
Procrastination
Do you always put off starting a paper until the night before the deadline? Or do you put off learning for an exam until you run out of time to process everything? Procrastination is putting off tasks until just before the deadline, which causes stress and can affect your study performance.
Recognising procrastination behaviour and developing strategies to overcome it can help you work more efficiently and achieve your goals. Would you like to know how to do this? Get started with the following infographic
Worrying about others
Are you worried about a friend? Are you doubting signs of psychological stress? As VUB, we believe it is important to be a warm educational institution where everyone cares for each other. A ‘Community of caring’. However, this can be challenging. Therefore, we like to offer tools to support others, while also setting your own healthy boundaries and practising self-care.
Want to know how to effectively care for others without losing sight of your own well-being? Get started with the following infographicTips to help friends with psychological stress
Perfectionism
Do you recognise yourself in constantly rewriting papers because they don't seem good enough? Or in avoiding exams because you fear you won't meet high standards? Perfectionism can encourage you to pursue high standards, but it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and a constant feeling of failure.
It is important to find a balance between striving for excellence and accepting imperfections. Would you like to know how to do this? Get started with the following infographic
Feel good in your own skin
During your life, all kinds of obstacles can come your way, both inside and outside your studies. A good mental and physical health will help you cope with all kinds of obstacles that come your way. Looking for a way to boost your resilience? Or would you like to learn more about certain health topics? Check out the infographics below:
Psychoeducation: sleep Studying in times of threat and conflict
Dealing with bad news
Have you received an unexpected bad grade, or a negative study progress decision (such as binding conditions, for example)? This can be an overwhelming experience, perhaps accompanied by feelings of sadness, anger or disappointment.
It is important to find healthy ways to cope with these emotions and seek the support of others. Would you like to know how to do this? Get started with the following infographic
Connectedness
Do you sometimes feel alone, even though you are surrounded by people? Do you feel it is difficult to really connect with others? Do you miss the feeling of belonging somewhere?
A sense of belonging is essential to our wellbeing. It means feeling heard, seen and understood by others. Connectedness helps us not only experience support, but also our resilience. Without this feeling, we can feel isolated, lonely and less motivated, which can affect your studies and mental health.
Want to know more about how to build and strengthen connectedness? Discover useful tips and insights in the following infographics:
Need more guidance?
The student psychologists organise several group sessions both in the 1st semester, 2nd semester and during the summer term.