I feel stressed
Feeling stressed? You’re not the only one. Stress helps you stay sharp when you need to be — for example, during exams or before important deadlines. At these times, stress can be useful. If you suffer from long-term or negative stress and find it difficult to relax, however, you may start to experience symptoms.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope with stress effectively. The fact that you are visiting this page is already a good step. Here, you can read about what you can do yourself and where you can go for support.
Talk about it with someone you trust
Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:
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A good friend, roommate, or family member.
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Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
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External organizations/websites, for example:
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All Ears offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
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In je bol.nl (Dutch website) offers a listening ear by chat and phone, along with reliable information, experiences shared by others, and tips and tools to get started yourself.
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Taking good care of yourself
Taking good care of yourself is especially important when you are not feeling well, and it doesn't have to be complicated – small things can make a big difference.
▸Read on for practical tips.
Get started with self-help modules, tips, and training courses
At the University of Groningen, you can get started with self-help modules, workshops, and training courses that can help you learn how to cope with stress more effectively. We would also like to refer you to our pages full of tips on coping with and reducing stress relating to exams or finances.
Free online self-help modules
Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? NewHealth offers a variety of modules, including on anxiety and panic, work (or other) stress, worrying, and sleeping well. University of Groningen students can use the online platform anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.
Training courses and workshops
Would you prefer to attend a training course or workshop? At the University of Groningen Student Service Centre (SSC), you can attend valuable training courses free (or almost free) of charge on topics such as performance pressure/fear of failure, stress reduction, and coping with exam stress.
The SSC also offers training courses aimed at improving your study skills, such as studying more effectively, academic writing, or presenting with confidence. Another option could be to join a study or thesis-support group.
First aid for study delays
Have you missed exams, and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits. Read our tips on first aid for study delays.
Financial stress?
Are you worried about money? This page refers you to websites, organizations, and support services that can help you improve your financial health and/or give your budget a significant boost.
Get professional help
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If you keep feeling stressed or if you are experiencing anxiety or fear of failure, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the UG Student Service Centre.
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Another possible step could be to make an appointment with your general practitioner or the GP practice nurse (POH-GGZ). The general practitioner is your first point of contact in the Dutch healthcare system.
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Don’t have a GP yet? Register with one in your area.
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Are you an international student? Please visit rug.nl/healthcare.
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