How being a DEER can support our mental health

As BPS Members and psychology students (and graduates), we will all have a good theoretical understanding of psychology, mental health and wellbeing, and how to look after ourselves.

However, we may not always put our knowledge into action, we may fail to make ourselves the priority or find the time to get away from the textbooks.

As we approach University Mental Health Day, and the start of the exam and dissertation season for many students, I want to share some of the basics that we can all learn to keep us as healthy and happy as possible.

Be a DEER 🦌

Drink - plenty of Water –2-3 litres a day

Exercise - safely a week –2.5 hours a week

Eat – nutritionally dense food.

Rest – a good solid night's sleep (7-9 hours)

We know the above, it may even sound a bit cliché in 2024, but let's re-cap the evidence and some recent findings:

Research by Parletta et al (2019), and Jacka (2017) shows a Mediterranean diet* having a positive effect on depression. Other research shows a link between nutritional-dense foods (Radavelli-Bagatini, 2022; Ocean,2019; Mujcic, 2016)

Evans et Al (2021) suggest a significant rise in depression symptoms being linked to lower sleep quality. Hachenberger, Li and Lemola (2022) found evidence that better sleep could produce better wellbeing.

Of course, it's good to look after your wellbeing for your own health, but if you do need another reason to be a DEER, then an analysis from Córdova (2023) discusses the negative impact stress has on learning and academic achievement.

So, I hope that's enough proof from me, it may be cliché but achieving these basics can have a huge impact on your wellbeing (and academic achievement).

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