It is World Mental Health, and we can be proud to see what we have achieved so far. With our continuous work on not only raising awareness about mental health, but also working towards a healthier, happier university environment, we have achieved a lot, even though there is still room for improvement.
With the event of World Mental Health Day 2018, we do not only want to increase awareness, but also make sure you know where to go if and when you need support. Here are some links to pages and organisations that can be helpful. We started with great mental health charities, but have added also a few things that might not pop into your head straight away.
- Jami is the Jewish Agency for Mental Illness.
For those affected by mental health issues such as bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, depression and eating disorders, life can be extremely difficult. Often there is a breakdown of the home and family life, jobs are lost and the situation can spiral out of control. Jami focuses on recovery, celebrating every milestone to make sure everyone can fulfill their potential.
This organisation is another mental health charity, which can provide support in harder times. Mind can provide help and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Through their 'local minds', they provide support through many places across England and Wales.
- Nightline:
London Nightline is an independently registered charity offering listening, support and information to higher education students by way of a confidential helpline.
They are based in central London, but offer support to half a million students at our 38 affiliated universities across greater London and Open University students in all regions. If you are not currently affiliated to Nightline, you can find out more here.
Besides getting in touch with these great organisations, there are other things you can do for your mental health.
- Exercising has been proven to help produce more endorphins, which make you feel happy. Going on a run or a longer walk can be very beneficial. Otherwise, going to a gym for even only 20 minutes can help you take your mind off any issues your are facing. Many gyms such as Pure gym, and The Gym are all over the place and not too expensive, or you can look into your local University Gym.
- Yoga: another way of moving without doing the usual run or strength training session is Yoga. Yoga helps you stretch out, feel your body and can help you relax. There are loads of videos on YouTube of different Yoga sessions which you can do at home, for free!
- Food: food is not only important for our physical health, but also for our mental health. It has been proven that certain types of foods, especially those rich Omega 3 fats, can help us with our mental health. Here is a list of foods which are also beneficial to your mental health.
- Music: whether that is classical music, a cheesy playlist or some drum'n'bass, music can help you switch off of anything that might stress you. Sit down and enjoy the soothing sound of some Mozart or Beethoven, or have a dance party with your friends or housemates.
- Mental Health apps: there are many apps that can help and provide support, here is a list of 25 of them.
Speaking out about your emotions can also be very helpful. Unfortunately, there still is a stigma Mental Health within society. Seth Marks wrote a blog for us about men's mental health, which you can read here. Look out for more work from us on this throughout the year.
At UJS, we are here to support you in any situation. We are here if you need signposting or just someone who will listen. Furthermore, we would love to support your mental health initiatives. Today, Louise Aron at the University of Leeds is launching her
'No Barriers' Initiative, which we are very proud to be supporting. Find out more here.
She has also written a blog for us, which can be found here!
Please always know that we are here for you, and do not hesitate to get in touch!