Returning to Study After a Long Break: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You’re Not the Only One If it’s been years – or even decades – since you last studied, you’re not
Mental Health and Studying: Looking After Yourself While You Learn
You Can’t Learn Well If You’re Not Coping
Studying – even for a short course – takes mental energy. If you’re already dealing with stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion, that extra pressure can feel like too much. And for many students, study is happening alongside work, family responsibilities, financial strain, or ongoing mental health challenges.
At Asset College, we recognise that mental health matters – not just in life, but in learning. This article shares practical strategies to protect your wellbeing during your course, and helps you know when to ask for support.
At Asset College, we recognise that mental health matters – not just in life, but in learning. This article shares practical strategies to protect your wellbeing during your course, and helps you know when to ask for support.
Mental Health Challenges Are Common - You’re Not Alone
Feeling anxious before an assessment, losing motivation halfway through, or struggling to focus when life gets hard – these are normal human experiences.
Some students may also be living with:
Some students may also be living with:
- Anxiety or depression
- Past trauma or PTSD
- High stress due to personal or financial pressures
- Mental exhaustion from juggling too many commitments
You’re not the only one – and you don’t have to pretend everything’s fine.
Know the Signs That You’re Struggling
Pay attention to changes in your mood, energy or habits:
- Losing focus or forgetting things more often
- Avoiding study because it feels overwhelming
- Sleeping poorly or feeling exhausted all the time
- Feeling irritable, hopeless or disconnected
- Struggling to complete simple tasks
- Constantly thinking “I’m falling behind” or “I can’t do this”
These signs don’t mean you’re failing. They’re reminders to pause and care for yourself.
What You Can Do When You Feel Mentally Stretched
Take Short Breaks Without Guilt
Even 5–10 minutes of breathing, walking, or stepping outside can help reset your focus. Rest isn’t a reward – it’s part of learning.
Talk to Someone
Speak to a friend, family member, or trusted person about what’s going on. Just saying it out loud can make it feel more manageable.
Reach Out to Your Trainer or Student Support
You don’t need to explain everything. Just say:
“I’m not doing well right now and I need some support with my course.”
We can help you figure out the next step – whether that’s rescheduling, reducing pressure, or just checking in.
“I’m not doing well right now and I need some support with my course.”
We can help you figure out the next step – whether that’s rescheduling, reducing pressure, or just checking in.
Lower the Pressure
You don’t need to be perfect. Some days just showing up is enough. Focus on doing something, not everything.
Build Mental Health into Your Study Routine
Just like you plan for assessments, plan for self-care:
- Use a calendar to manage your time and reduce last-minute stress
- Take regular breaks - before burnout hits
- Eat and sleep consistently when you can
- Avoid comparing yourself to others in your class
- Keep perspective - one course, one step at a time
You’re not just learning content – you’re learning how to manage yourself through challenge.
Professional Support Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
If your mental health is affecting your daily life or your ability to study, consider speaking to:
- Your GP
- A mental health support line
- A psychologist, counsellor or social worker
There are free or low-cost support options in many areas. Asking for help is not giving up – it’s choosing to stay in the game with the support you need.
You’re Not Alone - And You’re Not Failing
Studying is important – but your health is more important. If you’re struggling, the first step isn’t to quit or “try harder” – it’s to get support and take care of yourself.
At Asset College, we understand that life doesn’t pause just because you’re enrolled. We’ll do what we can to support you, but it’s okay to step back, adjust your pace, or ask for help when needed.
You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And with the right support, you can finish what you started – in your own time, in your own way.
At Asset College, we understand that life doesn’t pause just because you’re enrolled. We’ll do what we can to support you, but it’s okay to step back, adjust your pace, or ask for help when needed.
You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And with the right support, you can finish what you started – in your own time, in your own way.
Article Series
Wellbeing and Success in Training: How to Get the Most Out of Your Course
Balancing Study with Work, Family or Other Commitments
You’re Juggling a Lot – And That’s Okay Many of our students at Asset College aren’t studying full-time. They’re working
Feeling Overwhelmed? First Steps to Regain Control During Your Course
Overwhelmed Happens – But It Doesn’t Have to Derail You At some point in your course, you may feel like
Getting Feedback from Your Trainer: How to Learn from Mistakes
Feedback Isn’t Failure – It’s a Learning Tool Receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable – especially if you’ve worked hard on
Mental Health and Studying: Looking After Yourself While You Learn
You Can’t Learn Well If You’re Not Coping Studying – even for a short course – takes mental energy. If
How to Stay Motivated Throughout Your Course
Motivation Isn’t Constant – And That’s Normal At the start of a course, most students feel excited and ready to
