Mental health is a constant issue among us all but is most definitely more common in younger people, especially students.
Almost, if not everyone I have ever met, has had at least once suffered from a mental health issue, whether it be anxiety, depression, stress, or even loneliness and feeling left out.
According to the University Student Mental Health Survey 2018, one in five students suffers from a mental health problem.
In order to combat them, we need to understand mental health problems.
There are numerous triggers as to how they can develop in one’s mind.
An article by Very Well Mind suggests the internal triggers to mental health issues include:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Pain
- Sadness
External triggers can also affect the mind.
This could be from having a bad day, a bad experience, or changes in a relationship.
Unfortunately, almost anything can dwell and linger on the mind but it is how we deal with it that makes us stronger.
Friends, for example, are extremely important and you must never give up on those close to you.
People may push you away or attempt to, however, this may be a sign that they are mentally fighting something.
According to the NHS, signs of depression include:
- Continuous low mood
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Feeling tearful
- Difficulty making decisions
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling anxious
- Suicidal thoughts
Strategically one could use these symptoms as a checklist to keep an eye on friends and family, making them feel included and wanted.
Hopefully, this will boost their self-esteem and heighten their mood.
We all should know that sometimes it is little things that go a long way.
This may sound cliché, but it is true and needs to be recognised.
In my opinion, the key to unlocking a strong mind is having others around you to combat those ugly thoughts inside your head.
That is why simple things like grabbing a coffee or going on a day out, keep the mind happy because relaxing is always a good way of detoxing negativity and stress.
It is the fact you have something to look forward to after a long day at school, university, or work.
Something that is going to raise your spirits is important.
Sport is also a very good method of stress relief, so starting a new hobby or joining a society is s good way to meet new people and to help boost confidence.
Mental health could be described as a war within the mind for some, although you must always remember the people around you are the cavalry and they will support you in whatever it is you are going through.
Speak up, speak out and raise awareness but most importantly talk to someone if you are feeling down.
NTU offers a wide range of mental health support, from self-help such as SilverCloud to the Healthy NTU programme, through to 1-2-1 wellbeing support from their mental health team, student support advisors, counselling team and wellbeing advisors.
You can also reach out to a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258, as well as call 111 if you need medical advice but it is not an emergency.
If you are an immediate risk to yourself, contact the emergency services on 999 and if you cannot do this yourself ask someone to help you.
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