Health

What if we took a moment to talk about mental health?

It’s a topic that concerns all of us — we all have mental health just as we have physical health. And we can learn to take care of it every day!
Below is a list of tips and resources to help you look after yourself on a daily basis.

Eat well

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, and homemade meals helps improve your mood and supports better mental health.
You can access All university restaurants, where you can enjoy full meals for €3.30 for students and €1 for French scholarship students.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties:

You can contact a social worker from All: solidarite@all-lacatho.fr
The Fédépicerie of the Catholic University of Lille Student Federation offers essential products at very low prices. Instagram with all information and the registration form: @fedepicerie_lille

Identify and talk about your emotions

To better manage your emotions, it’s essential to recognise and name them.

To do this, you can rely on the Santé mentale info service website, talk about it with professionals, or listen to podcasts, for example. The podcast Ça va pas la tête ! has an episode dedicated to managing emotions, which you can listen to here (in French).

Reduce harmful substances

Reducing or stopping the use of harmful substances (alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs) benefits both physical and mental health. You can be supported if you want to reduce or stop. A general practitioner can help, and there are also online resources:

Maintain social connections

Taking care of your mental health also means staying connected with the people who make you feel good. To expand your social circle, you can:

Reach out to your faculty or school’s student union (BDE), or the Catholic University of Lille Student Federation: @fede_lille on Instagram.
Head over to the Green, which offers a varied programme: workshops, comedy nights, movie evenings, and board games available on site… The monthly schedule is available on our Instagram account @alldelacatho or directly on location.
If you need to talk or break loneliness, contact Nightline, a nighttime listening service by and for students:
Phone or chat: 03 74 21 11 11 (8:30 pm to 2:30 am).

Practice regular physical activity

Physical activity supports good mental health because it boosts self-esteem, promotes social connections, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress and anxiety.

To practice sports on campus, you can:

You can contact your institution’s sports office (BDS).
Access the All student gym on the Vauban campus: information and prices.
Check the “Sortir, bouger, créer” section of the Crous.

French scholarship students can benefit from the Pass'Sport (€70/year).

Rest and take breaks when needed

Taking a few minutes off — during exam revision, for example — helps improve concentration and boost energy. Hobbies and leisure activities also contribute to balance and better mental health.

You can check with your institution’s arts office (BDA) or the Campus Creatif.
Visit The Green for its varied programme: workshops, movie nights... The monthly schedule is available on our Instagram account @alldelacatho or directly on location.
You can also browse the “Sortir, bouger, créer” section on the Crous website.

Take care of your sleep quality

Sleep strongly affects mental health. Taking care of your sleep means taking care of your well-being.
You can download for free:

“Mon agenda du sommeil antifatigue”, an app to track your sleep rhythms.
Kanopée, created by the University of Bordeaux, for personalised advice to improve sleep quality.

Managing stress

There are many apps and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and care for your mental health. You can try:

RespiRelax: a free app for cardiac coherence
Petit Bambou: a meditation app (partially free)

Several resources are available at the CPSU:

Mindfulness meditation and positive psychology workshops every Tuesday at 6 pm, without registration.
Relaxation workshops on Thursdays at 6 pm, with registration through your personal account.
Select: Make an appointment → Psychologists → Relaxation group.
An information sheet on mindfulness meditation.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or if you have attempted to harm yourself.

If you notice a loss of appetite or, on the contrary, an excessive intake of food.

If you feel that you’re acting strangely or differently, or if you have the impression of being watched or monitored.

If you have difficulties concentrating, or if you’re experiencing a loss of motivation and/or interest.

If you feel a deep and persistent sadness that doesn’t seem linked to your environment.

If you feel that you’re distancing yourself from your friends and isolating yourself more and more.

If you’re having difficulties carrying out everyday tasks.

If your sleep cycle is disrupted.

If you’re consuming alcohol, drugs, and/or medication in an excessive or unusual way.

If you feel, see, or hear things that others don’t perceive.