Back to RWCMD main site

Stress & Mental Wellbeing #NationalStressAwarenessDay

1 November 2017

This National Stress Awareness Day we’re talking about stress at conservatoires.

Although incredibly rewarding, training at a conservatoire is notoriously intensive and highly competitive, with long hours training and rehearsing. This high-stress environment can lead to some students feeling overwhelmed.

Recognising the Signs of Stress

Student Support Manager, Kate Williams gives some advice on stress recognition and management:

“The first step is to recognise the signs of stress in yourself early on before it becomes overwhelming.

Avoid unhealthy coping strategies, learn to say no before it all gets too much, and find the right ways to manage your stress as soon as you notice it.

It’s important to differentiate between normal levels of stress that might be brought on by the type of environment you’re in or nerves surrounding a performance, and longer mental health issues such as anxiety and depression which might need different levels of support.

We’re here to speak to, to help signpost you in the right direction and find the best support for your specific needs.”

Stress Management Techniques

We’ve put together a list of things to help manage stress. From something as simple as taking a 20-minute walk, getting some fresh air, or working on some mindfulness techniques, the key is finding which stress management techniques work best for you.

  • Take time for a walk at lunch
  • Ensure that you are eating enough, and that you have a healthy diet
  • Talk to a trusted friend about how you are feeling
  • Take some deep breaths, or perhaps use a guided meditation app
  • Get enough sleep
  • Make time for yourself
  • Say no to plans if you feel that you may be stressed

Support at RWCMD

A free, confidential counselling service is open to all students at RWCMD which can be arranged through counselling@rwcmd.ac.uk.

Director of Student Experience, Brian Weir, and Student Support Manager, Kate Williams are on site 5 days a week to help students identify the level of help they need and signpost them in the right direction.

For students with long-term, documented mental health issues, mental health mentors and Disabled Students Allowance are also available.