I was watching a news article the other day about how mental health issues are becoming more prominent in young people at university. The upheaval of moving away from home combined with the pressure of performing well academically were blamed, along with other factors.
This news story really resonated with me as my time away at university was when I started to recognise that I had a mental health problem.
I look back on the three years I was away from home with fondness. I made some great friends and had a wonderful time, as well as finding my independence. However, there is a black shadow which tarnishes my memories of this period, which was due to living with an undiagnosed mental health problem.
According to the news story, 1 in 3 students suffer from mental health issues, and 1 in 10 admit to thinking about harming themselves in some way. At the University of Bristol, there have been four student suicides since September, which has led to them carrying out a review of their mental health services and investing an extra £1million this year into student well being.
Although it is scary to think of the number of students feeling the pressure and not being able to cope, it is good that these places are at least trying to help. When I was suffering I was not really aware of what the issue was, let alone how to deal with it or where to seek advice and guidance. The fact that universities and other institutions are trying to provide services and support to their students is really comforting.
It is reassuring to know that efforts are being made to help these young adults who are transitioning through a very difficult period in their lives.
The emphasis now needs to be on helping people recognise they have a mental health problem and encouraging them to seek help and support.
There is no point spending money on providing these services if people do not know where or how to get access to them.
Keeping these issues relevant and in the media is going to hopefully, only improve the services and support available to everyone with mental health issues, and lead to a world where it is okay to not feel okay.
This news story really resonated with me as my time away at university was when I started to recognise that I had a mental health problem.
I look back on the three years I was away from home with fondness. I made some great friends and had a wonderful time, as well as finding my independence. However, there is a black shadow which tarnishes my memories of this period, which was due to living with an undiagnosed mental health problem.
According to the news story, 1 in 3 students suffer from mental health issues, and 1 in 10 admit to thinking about harming themselves in some way. At the University of Bristol, there have been four student suicides since September, which has led to them carrying out a review of their mental health services and investing an extra £1million this year into student well being.
Although it is scary to think of the number of students feeling the pressure and not being able to cope, it is good that these places are at least trying to help. When I was suffering I was not really aware of what the issue was, let alone how to deal with it or where to seek advice and guidance. The fact that universities and other institutions are trying to provide services and support to their students is really comforting.
It is reassuring to know that efforts are being made to help these young adults who are transitioning through a very difficult period in their lives.
The emphasis now needs to be on helping people recognise they have a mental health problem and encouraging them to seek help and support.
There is no point spending money on providing these services if people do not know where or how to get access to them.
Keeping these issues relevant and in the media is going to hopefully, only improve the services and support available to everyone with mental health issues, and lead to a world where it is okay to not feel okay.
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