If you’re someone who struggles with your mental health then it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Recent research by Student Minds revealed that one in four students have a diagnosed mental health issue, and 30 per cent said their mental health had got worse since starting university.
It’s not hard to see why that might be the case. Living away from home for the first time. Trying to make new friends. Juggling socialising, studying and earning money. The pressure of assessments.
All of these things can mean you might find yourself struggling more than usual.
Obviously some mental health issues require sustained, professional support, and it’s important that you reach out for the help you need – there’s a whole range of support services available to you here at UWE Bristol. For many of us, there are simple, every day things we can do to ease stresses and anxieties, and one of the most important is just opening up and talking about how you’re feeling.
For World Mental Health Day, we’re using the opportunity to encourage everyone to take the time to chat with a friend or someone you feel close to. Check in with them, find out how they’re really doing and give both of you the opportunity to open up about your feelings.
So, what is the recipe for a really good chat?
- Find a space where you’re comfortable. Don’t pick a time when you’re both busy or rushed, or where there’s loads of people around who might be half listening. Sit down somewhere calm and quiet, and when you’ve got the time to really have a proper chat without interruptions.
- Start with “how are you reaaally feeling?” We all know how easy it is to just go into autopilot and tell people you’re fine, when someone asks how things are going. You need to make sure the other person knows that you want to dig a bit deeper than that and give them the opportunity to properly open up.
- Be open and listen. For the chat to be worthwhile, both of you need to be ready to open up and also listen to each other. Why not look up tips on active listening if this is something that you’ve struggled with.
- Acknowledge each other’s feelings and don’t judge. Shame or fear of judgement can be one of the many reasons why people don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Make sure the person sharing with you knows that they’re in a safe space.
- Don’t always try and solve the problem, sometimes people just need support. Very often people just want someone to really listen to what they’re saying. That’s all you need to do. However, if the conversation causes you to feel concerned about someone’s wellbeing or safety, then don’t hesitate to seek support. If you have urgent concerns about the welfare of a student or you need support yourself, then you should contact the 24/7 Serious Concerns Line.
So, in the spirit of World Mental Health Day, why not check in with a friend and take the time to sit down for a proper chat.
– Student Communications Team