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Wellbeing Zine
A Kingston ISC zine about mental health and belonging
For Kingston ISC students who live and study far from home
About 1 in 6 adults in England experiences a common mental health problem at any one time (Nuffield Trust, 2021). At some point in our lives we will know someone who is struggling. That could be us personally or a partner, family member, friend or colleague. Sooner or later, we will all know someone who is struggling.
And when you move across countries, languages, and cultures, that feeling can become even heavier.
You might notice stress in your body, your thoughts and your actions:
upset stomach rushing around avoiding people or tasks snapping at others
tense shoulders
racing heart headaches
“I can’t cope”
“What if something bad happens?”
“You are not broken”
Feeling anxious, lonely, or overwhelmed does not mean: you are weak you chose the wrong country you are bad at English you are failing at life It means: you left your home you are adapting to a new system you are learning in another language you are carrying pressure, expectations, and uncertainty
“Small things that help”
You don’t have to change your whole life. Start small.
You could try:
sitting somewhere quiet for 5 minutes drinking water slowly walking outside without your phone
“Self-help topics”
Here's a full list of the self-help topics available from the NHS Self Help Guides that are linked on the Kingston University London page
Abuse
Alcohol and You
Anxiety
Bereavement
Depression and Low Mood
Domestic Abuse
Eating Disorders
Food for Thought (healthy eating & activity)
“Self-help topics”
Here's a full list of the self-help topics available from the NHS Self Help Guides that are linked on the Kingston University London page
Health Anxiety
Hearing Voices and Disturbing Beliefs
Managing Anger
Obsessions and Compulsions
Panic
Self Harm
Sleeping Problems
Social Anxiety
Stress
Studying in a new country means learning new systems, new languages, and new ways of being, all at once. Some days you will feel strong and excited. Other days you might feel lost, tired, or unsure of yourself. That doesn't mean you ' re failing — it means you are adapting. You are allowed to go slowly, and you are allowed to ask for help.
