University Mental Health Awareness Day this year officially falls on the 5th March. As a university we are marking the event across the campuses throughout the week beginning the 16th March. Lots of attention has been brought to the topic of mental health so far in 2020 – you may have seen the “it’s okay to not be okay” tweets and maybe even shared them yourself.
As a student being aware of your mental state is incredibly important. University is stressful. Deadlines. Money. Living alone. And the list of possible things to stress about goes on.
In 2018, 42.8% of students reported that they were often or always worried – you are not alone. My mum always says “a problem shared is a problem halved” – if you’re experiencing difficulties share the load with a family member or a friend or visit “Fancy a Cuppa?” for a chat. You can see more detail on the Fancy a Cuppa webpage.
Sharing the problem isn’t the only way to help with worry and stress though – this Mental Health Awareness Day take a moment to yourself and reflect on your mental health and the steps you can take to benefit yourself – here’s a few suggestions:
- Catch up with a friend
- Take some time to read a book or watch a favourite movie
- Do some exercise
- Take note of one thing you’re grateful for each day
- Eat well
- Give social media a rest for a short time
- Get more sleep
Join in with our mental health campaign by posting on social media on Tuesday 17th March at 12pm something that makes you happy, or something you’re grateful for with the #UWhappymoment.
Come along and join us for “Fancy a Cuppa?” on Tuesday 17th March 11am to 3pm in the SU Hangar and in Charles Hastings, City Campus.
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