Your Student Officer for Mental Health Awareness writes about Mental Health Awareness Day
People often take measures to preserve their physical health through exercise, proper food, or just cleaning their teeth. Similarly, when individuals are feeling ill or under the weather, they visit their local pharmacy or doctor.
However, when it comes to your own mental health, many people do not place the same emphasis. We also know that people are less likely to obtain the help they require when it comes to their mental health, whether they confide in a friend or speak to a professional.
That is why, for Mental Health Awareness Day (Tuesday 10th October 2023), we want you to make a pledge to care for your mental health in the same way you care for your physical health.
Five known steps to help support this are
- Connect with those around you.
- Be active in a way that is comfortable for you and what you enjoy
- Take note of and be aware of your surroundings.
- Continue to gain new talents and skills and grow.
- Give what you can, whether it is your time or a random act of kindness.
Concentrating on these steps has been proven to improve mental health. The promise to yourself can be as large or modest as you wish; even minor increases in well-being can help reduce and even prevent some mental health issues.
I invite you to create your own pledge: how will you make a change this week to support your own mental health? Will you call a friend you've been wanting to contact for months? Will you spend Sunday with your family and share a Sunday roast? No matter how big or small, I encourage you to make a pledge. Make that pledge and see how your mental health will benefit and improve your mental health.
Brought to you by Jodie Gregory, your Mental Health Awareness Officer ✨️