University Mental Health can encompass so many things. There are many decisions to be made, new community and relationships forged, new living situations, new financial issues, new responsibilities and so forth. It’s not hard to imagine why University students are stressed. Moving and changing communities alone is one of the top most stressful transitions. There are also those who work in Universities where there is always an influx of change in the people they are around. University Mental Health Day falls on 1 March and it is a national campaign that focuses on ‘mental health of people who live, work and study in Higher Education settings’ and more can be found at UMHD18.
This post is late to the day, but ever so present to the issue and concerns. Do you know someone who is in or works in a University who may be dealing with mental health concerns? Help them know it is okay to not be okay or perhaps offer a coffee date to just openly chat and be heard.
Make everyday an opportunity to allow others to share openly about the stresses of University, whether it be as a student or staff. Even if we may not be in that season or struggle in the same way, being part of the conversation helps one to feel they are not alone. University Mental Health Day is also today.
Erika Kim Counselling 