Yesterday was #UniMentalHealthDay. I spoke yesterday about what was meant, using our voices more, and talking about student mental health to make it better.
UNI MENTAL HEALTH DAY ROUNDUP
So here, we’re going to be sharing the best content from yesterday, content I’ve found helpful and inspiring. This is an archived post that is relevant all year round.
University Mental Health Day
The people behind the event are always worth recognising. Supported by Student Minds and University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN) they have created a lot of resources, and the theme for the campaign, encouraging students to use their voice.
Check out their wall of fame which showcases some of the best pictures from the day. There were lots of different things going on all around the country, here is a small showcase.
Sky news
According to BuzzSumo the most engaged with article this time was this article from Sky News, written by news reporter Rebecca Taylor.
The article talks about the major news that the government has announced a new task force that will look into mental health.
It also gives the statistic that there were 100 student suicides in the 365 days of last year. That’s why things must change.
Open University
The OU has been supporting this event and has shared a lot of resources, including a podcast to talk about mental health.
What I like about the OU is that they’re not just acknowledging the day. And they’re not just repeating the statistics either.
They’re providing practical advice that can actually help you better manage your mental health and find support for it.
My Student Village
I read this blog post about a student’s view about uni mental health day by Caitlin Wilson. It’s especially helpful for students who are just starting out at uni. This really puts into words how students are not alone.
Mental health problems are everywhere. And other people around you are going through this too. I found this said that perfectly.
A lot of people shared their story and what they found helpful to manage mental health at uni.
When scanning my Twitter feed a lot of tips on where to find (and use) existing support networks in your uni. These can be anything from the counselling services already available, to peer support groups.
It can be difficult, when you’re in your first year and you don’t know anyone, or have the confidence to let others know you have a problem. But the sooner you do it, the better your overall experience will be.
Check out the posts for yourself!
A lot of visual posts. Some showed just how startling the statistics were and called on the need for change. Others focused on what has been done around the country and the work put in. Other’s gave little quotes and pockets of sunshine, which are worth saving.
Check out the posts for yourself!
So why are we doing this
Student mental health issues are on the rise. We need to start talking about what the problems are, and we need to start using our voices.
Students best know about mental health support in uni. We need to encourage our ‘student experts’ to come forward and advocate what changes would help them.
The current system isn’t working. We need to advocate for a better one.
Here on the site, being in school myself, this is something I’m passionate about. We’ll be covering any major mental health developments at uni, and a few student-related blog posts may come as well.
If any of those appeals let me know in the comments below. If it doesn’t, let me know the kind of content you’d like to see around here.
By Jake Symons
Jake Symons is an entrepreneur and passionate mental health advocate determined to share his story to help others. Alongside writing on this blog he hosts Mental Monday: Mental Health Live a biweekly intimate and unscripted conversation about mental health.
