What is Mental Health Awareness week?
Mental Health Awareness week is a time to educate, understand and talk about Mental Health. Some of the most common mental health issues across the UK are:
- Anxiety / panic attacks
- Depression
- Loneliness
- OCD
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- PTSD and trauma
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Stress
- Self harm and suicidal thoughts
The effect of the Cost of Living crisis on Mental Health
Following the start of a cost of living crisis in the UK, the Mental Health Foundation carried out a poll in November 2022, and found that many adults are less able to do the things that support good mental health and wellbeing due to their financial situation. In Scotland, adults worrying about money has caused:
- 33% of people to have poor quality sleep
- 1 in 6 people to persue a hobby less often
- Almost 1/4 of people to meet friends less often
- 1/7 people to exercise less frequently than they used to
We understand that as students, the cost of living crisis will be very apparent, which is why our Breakfast Cub, Community Fridge and Swap Shops will be important now more than ever.
What is self care and what practices does this involve?
Here at the Students Association, we are big advocates for self care and personal wellbeing. But what does this mean? Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Below are some of the best forms of self care, which can make big improvements to your mental health.
Regular Exercise - just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Specifically, having some time in nature has many mental health benefits!
Eat regular, healthy meals and stay hydrated - aim to drink 3 litres of water a day.
Make sleep a priority - aim for around 8 hours a night.
Set goals and priorities - write these down to keep track of progress.
Practice meditation and journaling your thoughts and things you are grateful for - Having some time to focus on your breathing and your thoughts is a great way to look after you!
Stay connected - prioritise regular time with family and friends - but limit time on social media!
Make YOU time - make time for hobbies (or try a new one!), have some time relaxing in a bath, put on a face mask, listen to music, read a book, whatever makes you happy!
On Thursday 18th May we are holding a Self Care stall at the Sighthill Campus from 10:30am where we will be chatting about self care tips and giving out some free wellbeing tools... 👀 Come down and check it out!
Resources
Did you know? 1 in 8 people in the world live with a mental health condition. You are never alone. Below are some websites to refer to if you if you want to learn more or reach out for help.
Edspace |
EdSpace to signpost people to appropriate mental health services in Edinburgh, enable people to make informed choices in their treatment and care, inform people of factors influencing positive mental health and wellbeing, and enable people to access services and information which may be of benefit to them or someone they support. |
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Health In Mind |
Health in Mind promote positive mental health and wellbeing, and provide a wide range of services and courses to support people and enable them to make a positive difference in their lives. |
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SamH |
SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. They work in over 60 communities with adults and young people, providing mental health social care support and services. |
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Perfect Solutions |
Perfect Solutions offers coaching and counselling for anxiety, emotions and trauma. |
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Saheliya |
Saheliya supports and promotes the positive mental health and well-being of black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area. |
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NightLine |
Nightline is a student listening service which is open at night and run by students for students. |
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Abused Men in Scotland |
AMIS supports men across Scotland who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. They do not judge, but they do offer practical information, guidance and casework. |
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Edinburgh Crisis Centre |
The Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year and provides community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis. It is a service for people who are aged 16 and over who are using or have used mental health services and are resident in the City of Edinburgh when they are facing a crisis. |
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Hub of Hope |
The Hub of Hope is the world’s first of its kind mental health database bringing grassroots and national mental health services together in one place for the first time ever. Using the location of web browser or mobile devices, the cloud-based web application allows anyone, anywhere to find the nearest source of support for any mental health issue, from depression and anxiety to PTSD and suicidal thoughts, as well as providing a ‘talk now’ button connecting users directly to the Samaritans. |
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Penumbra |
Penumbra is one of Scotland’s largest mental health charities. They work to promote mental health and wellbeing for all, prevent mental ill health for people who are ‘at risk’, and to support people with mental health problems. |
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Support In Mind |
Support in Mind aims to improve the quality of life for anyone whose mental health problems or mental illness has a serious impact on their life and on the lives of others, including family members, friends and supporters. |
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Samaritans |
Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. |
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Breathing Space |
Breathing Space are a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. |
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Andy's Man Club |
Andy's Man Club are real, non judgmental, talking groups for men. Their aim is to halve the number of suicides in men under 45. |
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Beat Adult Helpline |
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Clear Your Head |
The Scottish Government's national mental health campaign to help support people throughout the country during the pandemic. There are tips and ideas for how oyu can clear your head as well as links to places you can go to for more formal support and advice |
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Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland |
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland (CBCS) exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people in Scotland. They seek to help anyone experiencing bereavement to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They work primarily through volunteers, providing free care to bereaved people. |
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Edinburgh Crisis Centre |
The Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year and provides community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis. It is a service for people who are aged 16 and over who are using or have used mental health services and are resident in the City of Edinburgh when they are facing a crisis. |
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The Ampersand Project |
The Ampersand Project is an Edinburgh-based non-profit social enterprise working on a local, national, and international level to improve the mental wellbeing of young adults, with a specific focus on university and college students. |