This year's theme for World Mental Health Day is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority'. The Editorial Team have come together to explore what this looks like to them.
- Student Minds Editorial Team
✨ How are you making your mental health a priority? ✨
Natalie (Student): After a long time of not prioritising my mental health, I finally got the help that I needed and it was a wake-up call for me to prioritise myself and my mental health. Since this, I make sure to look after myself, and this comes in many forms. This includes self-care, making sure I get out of the house every day and telling my friends and family when I wasn’t feeling very well.
Especially during the hardest parts of my final year of university, I found it more important than ever to prioritise my mental health, and I was very proud of myself when I was able to make it through the tough times I was facing.
Caoimhe (Student): After taking a gap year I am back at university studying for my Master's Degree in Journalism. I prioritise my mental health, by doing exercise and practising journalling. Being a trainee journalist can take a toll on your mental health, so it's important I put my emotional well-being first. A Master’s Degree will be more demanding and stressful than an undergraduate degree therefore I need to plan my week and my month to have a balance, and I need to allow myself days to rest, mental health days and days where I am working.
It's all about balance.
Sarah (Student): One way that I’m prioritising my mental health is by journaling. I’ve only recently started, but I already feel the benefits of writing down my thoughts and feelings. It’s quite a meditative process, slowing down the pace of thoughts in my head so that my pen can record them. I like that journalling is low-commitment, too - it’s just for myself, so I don’t have to write something every day, or even every week if I don’t feel like it. But my journal is there for me when I do have some inspiration.
Preksha (Student): When I was struggling with my mental health, I made a little list of the small things which make me happy. From bubble baths and good music to travelling with friends, I make it a point to do at least one thing every few days. Although this has developed into my coping mechanism, I do not wait for the need to pursue any of these activities while dealing with adverse circumstances. I go ahead and do them regardless, and set that time aside to do things for myself and my happiness only.
Rosanna (Graduate): Since graduating and starting my first proper job, I try to use my free time wisely. I prioritise my mental health by checking in with what my mind and body need, as often as possible. Sometimes that means saying no to social plans so that I can have an evening to myself, and other times it’s about making time for hobbies and friends and fun activities. I think it’s about understanding your own needs and allowing yourself to rest or exercise or treat yourself, whichever is most appropriate, without worrying too much about what anyone else thinks about how you spend your time.
Whether you are looking for support for your own mental health at university or supporting a friend, help is available.
Written by the Student Minds Editorial Team. Find out more about them here.
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