Time to Talk About Mental Health

Monday 11-05-2015 - 14:14
Mhaw rgb

One in four British adults will suffer a mental health issue in any one year. Many will suffer silently, feeling unable to seek help, advice or support, or talk about how they are feeling. MDX - let's talk.

 

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place between the 11th and 17th of May, and MDX are getting involved with a week of activities and events - from free yoga sessions to workshops - aimed at giving support and raising awareness. Click here to view the #MDXletstalk blog and see what's on.

 

As part of the week, MDXSU will be giving out free stress-busting kits, containing a range of goodies and advice information. Look out for us and our stripey bags around the Hendon campus!

 

The focus of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is mindfulness, which can play a positive role in combatting mental health issues. At Middlesex this week there are several opportunities to find out more about mindfulness and how it can be of use to you. Click here for further details.

 

Student Support

For students, the pressures of university can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues, whether due to money worries, the pressure of deadlines and exams, loneliness or homesickness. Research by NUS found that 20% of students considered themselves to have some form of mental health problem, with many not seeking professional help and support.

 

If you're concerned about your mental health, or you want to support someone who is struggling, there are a whole host of organisations which are there to help, both at MDX and beyond.

 

  • The Middlesex Mental Health team work in conjunction with the Park Clinic, providing counselling, support and workshops on handling stress and practising mindfulness, amongst others. 
     
  • If issues with money, accommodation or visas are weighing on your mind, contact the Middlesex Student Welfare and Advice team. They offer advice guides, workshops and face-to-face appointments.
     
  • The MDXSU Student Advice team can help you with any academic issues you have, whether you're facing a disciplinary or are dissatisfied with an aspect of your course. The service is free, confidential and independent to the university. You can contact the team at studentadvice@mdx.ac.uk.
     
  • ARTiculate offer free creative projects to 16-25 year olds living, studying or working in Barnet.
     
  • The Citizens Advice Bureau give advice on debt and financial concerns, and have a local office in Hendon, a short walk from the Middlesex Hendon campus. They offer drop-in appointments on Tuesdays between 10am and 12:30pm.
     
  • Talk to your GP - concerns about your mental health are just as valid as physical problems.
     
  • If nothing else, talk to someone you trust, whether a friend, a partner, a relative, faith leader or a tutor. They may be concerned about you and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have to say.

 

You can also check out these amazing organisations and their websites:

  • Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They also offer an infoline, giving information and advice. You can contact them on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
     
  • Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support for anyone in distress or despair. You can call them 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90, or email jo@samaritans.org. You can also talk to someone face to face - find your nearest Samaritans here.
     
  • If you're a carer needing support, contact Carers Direct or the Princess Royal Trust, both of whom are able to provide support and advice on any issues affecting you.
     
  • Rethink Mental Illness have an advice line, providing expert information to those with mental health problems, as well as those who care for them. Contact them on 0300 5000 927 10am-2pm Monday to Friday, or email info@rethink.org.
     
  • The Mental Health Foundation - who coordinate Mental Health Awareness Week - and Time to Change are working towards a future where those with a mental health issue are not stigmatised or discriminated against. They conduct research into mental health, and provide advice on how to be take care of your mental health.
     
  • The mental health pages of the NHS website offers advice and case studies from those who have gone through mental health issues.
     
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) seek to support men going through mental health issues and depression. You can call their helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or 0808 802 58 58 (if you're in London), or speak via webchat between 5pm and midnight every day.

 

Experiencing a mental health issue is nothing to be ashamed of. It can happen to anyone at any time, and does not define you as a person. You are still you.


You can get involved with Mental Health Week at MDX by tweeting @MDXletstalk. Tell us about your experiences of mental health or why raising awareness is important on the #MDXletstalk tag.

 

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