Inspirations
Resources and insights relating to Inspirations.
Contributors
Robert James Woodhead Lecturer of Essential & Core Skills at Edinburgh College
LinkedIn ProfileMental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness
Every year in March, Universities across the UK unite to raise awareness and address student mental health issues. #unimentalhealthday. Pressures associated with expectations, debt, relationships and daily life can be over bearing and it's not surprising that 1 in 10 people can experience some form of depression in any one year.
So what exactly is depression and how can you find ways to deal with this unwelcome feeling. Depression is much more than having an off day and can last for long periods of time or in many cases a life time.
People suffering from depression can experience a range of symptoms from sustained low moods, loss of appetite, loss of interest/motivation to being lethargic and feeling worthless.
If you experience any of these signs over a two week period it's important you seek medical advice or counsellor so you can be diagnosed and treated accordingly. As a nation we are getting better at dealing with mental health and Universities recognise their role in this and there is lots of needed support in place.
If you think you are suffering from a mental health related illness over and above the odd low mood day or normal stressful period, it's important you talk to somebody. One of the worse things you can do is try and bottle it up, you do not need to suffer alone.
This could be a friend, your student support representative, student rep, a friend or a medical professional I.e your GP (don't forget to register at the nearest Doctor's surgery when you get to Uni). Also many universities now have an in-house counselling service that you will be able to access and they can assist you in getting the support you need, or provide basic advice and guidance.
Support may come in the form of medication or therapy and more and more people are seeing great results and improvements through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). However whatever your support needs and coping strategies are there is help available.
For further information CLICK HERE
A Bit About Our Contributor:
Robert James Woodhead - Lecturer of Essential & Core Skills at Edinburgh College
A passionate educator within the FE sector. Student focused and driven by innovation, quality and challenge. Sports background with an ability to adapt, develop and deliver courses across a range of subject areas.