*Post in collaboration with Teesside University*
Mental health isn’t exactly a new subject on my blog. I’ve spoken about my struggles and experience many times, most recently I wrote about my experience two years on from reaching out for help.
It’s a very real thing that a fair amount of us will go through in our lives and boy, I ain’t afraid to talk about it.
The more and more I see about businesses transforming their companies to be more mental health-friendly, the happier it makes me. I don’t want it to be all yoga classes for quietness and stuff, I want real help to be accessible to people.
Because although those additional things can assist in wellbeing, it’s the conversation that can make the most difference.
Looking back, I wish I knew more about what was accessible to me back when I was in education.
Working with Teesside University, it was so refreshing to learn about what they do for students and their mental health.
So I certainly didn’t struggle as much as I have done whilst I was actually at Uni, but there were definitely moments where I could have used some help.
You see, with me, I’ve always been a super organised person. Ask anyone I work with or that knows me personally. I like a spreadsheet. I like to know what I’m doing and when. I like organisation.
& I like things done in a way that I’m comfortable with.
& although I know they can all be great skills and qualities to have, they can also be a slight disadvantage and fault too. Especially in certain situations.
With this being the way my brain works, it means that sometimes assignments and group work could be a bit of a struggle. More so internally than externally.
I also always gave the illusion that I had my life together. That’s because I seemed to have everything under control in terms of workload, so I gave this illusion that everything was peachy keen.
But as we know, sometimes, that’s not always the case.
During my time at University, I also tragically lost a friend and struggled with the grief that it brought, Although University was there to keep my mind busy, I struggled and most probably should have spoken to someone.
It certainly did affect performance and I wish I’d of spoken to someone about it.
Looking back, I wish I had known what was accessible at the University. Although my University friends were amazing and so were my lecturers, I needed someone who didn’t really know me or my situation to let it all out to.
As we all know, talking about things make it easier and as you’ll spend a fair amount of your time at University or doing your work, so it’s important to ensure your mental health is in good shape.
Last September, Teesside Uni announced a partnership with Mind and Goldman Sachs where they will benefit from the £1.5 million pot to aid in their mental health support systems.
How FRIGGIN’ incredible is that?
The University has many different ways they support their students. Now I’m not sure if they were there when I studied, but if I’d have known about them I’d of been there in a flash.
I think it’s one thing to have something accessible for students but it’s another thing for them to know that it’s actually there, so kudos to Teesside for letting not only their students but their staff know about the changes.
Here’s exactly how you can get mental health support on campus;
Student Advisers – The University has just opened a new Student Life Building and lemme tell you, it’s all kind of fancy! From Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm, there are people on hand to help students out. They are there to listen and help you seek further support, pointing you in a direction that will be best. This can sometimes be the hardest part, finding exactly where you need to go and now with the opening of this new building, all the University’s student services are in the one place! There is also a virtual offer, where you’ll find useful resources online to support you.
Mental Health Service – by calling 01642 342277 or popping into the Student Life Building, you can speak to and arrange an appointment with a special mental health advisor who can give you all sorts of advice about your mental health. They cover a whole range of mental health conditions and autistic spectrum conditions, so nobody is alone. These advisers will assess your needs and refer you to the most appropriate support services, which may include counselling. Whether it’s personal one-to-one sessions or online self-help, advisers and counsellors will listen to your situation, advise where necessary and help you develop coping strategies to manage your mental health more efficiently.
Regardless of what you’re going through or how you’re feeling, these guys are here to hear you out and support you throughout your University life.
If there’s one piece of advice I could give to those at University and who are struggling with anything at all, it’s talk.
The power of conversation is real. The impact of opening up is massive. It’s the first step in the right direction for many.
It’s so important that you look after yourself as well as others around you. Don’t only keep an eye out for your friends but make sure you look after number one too.
The years when you are at University are pretty important years of your life and can be absolutely incredible if you look after both your physical and mental health.