Bright Things on the Horizon - May Edition
May: "Mindful May: A Fresh Start for Mental Health"
Show Your Mind Some Love! ❤️
Your Mind Matters – Let’s Talk About It 💬
This May, we're taking some time to focus on something that affects all of us – mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month is all about challenging stigma, opening up conversations, and creating a college community where everyone feels supported.
Whether you're going through a tough time yourself or just want to look out for your friends, understanding mental wellbeing is key to building a more compassionate and inclusive environment.
Here’s how we can all be part of the conversation! we have tried and tested it and has a very postive outcome :)
🧠 1. Why Mental Health Matters
Just like our physical health, our mental health plays a huge role in how we live day to day. It affects how we think, feel, and act – and it can influence everything from our studies and relationships to how we cope when things get tough.
So what is mental health, exactly?
It’s your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It’s how you handle stress, make decisions, connect with others, and deal with life’s ups and downs.
College life can be brilliant, but also... a lot.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, low or just not quite yourself sometimes. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you — it means you’re human.
Talking about how you’re feeling really can make a difference. Whether it’s with a friend, a staff member, or someone from our wellbeing team, opening up is a sign of strength — not weakness. Talking therapies are known to help, and sometimes just saying things out loud can be a huge relief.
The ECSA offices are always open to you, and I’m here if you ever want to chat – about anything, big or small. Pop in anytime, or if you prefer a one-to-one meeting, just drop me a message 😊
ECSA Contact Details
You can also reach out to the Wellbeing Team for additional support – they’re friendly, understanding, and always happy to help.
👀 2. Spotting Common Mental Health Challenges
Knowing what to look out for – in yourself or others – can really help. Here are a few common things that might pop up:
- Feeling constantly stressed or anxious
- Low mood or lack of motivation
- Burnout and mental fatigue
- Feeling lonely or isolated
- Trouble sleeping (too much or too little)
It doesn’t matter whether what you’re dealing with feels small or massive — your feelings matter.
Even if you’ve just had a rough day or a heavy hour, we’re here to listen and support you. You don’t have to go through it alone.
🗓️ 3. Get Involved: Mental Health Awareness Week Events
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (starting 12th May), we’ve got some great events happening across the campuses. They’re chilled, friendly, and a great chance to check in on your wellbeing (and have some fun while you're at it!):
- Tuesday 13th May: Staff vs Students Badminton – Granton Sports Hall, 12.30pm–2.00pm
- Wednesday 14th May: Mental Health Check-In Stall – Milton Road Campus, 11.00am–2.00pm
- Thursday 15th May: Mental Health Check-In Stall – Midlothian Campus, 11.00am–2.00pm
- Staff vs Students Badminton – Sighthill Sports Hall, 12.30pm–2.00pm
Bonus!
We’ve also got a Gaming Event at Granton on 15th May in The Hub – a great excuse to take a break and have a laugh. Come along, say hello, meet my self and some of the team, and maybe even beat us at Mario Kart 🎮
💛 Just Need a Chat? I’m Always Around
As your VP of Welfare, my role is to make sure you feel heard, valued, and supported. You’re always welcome to pop into the ECSA offices — even if it’s just to grab a biscuit and have a five-minute breather.
We’re a student-led organisation, and as our VP of Activities always reminds me, this college simply wouldn’t be what it is without all of you. Your presence, energy, and voice matter – and so does your wellbeing.
So whether you're having a hard time, need advice, or just fancy a catch-up, come by or drop into one of my regular drop-in sessions. You can also email me directly if that’s easier for you.
✨ Thoughts Feel & Think
It’s completely normal to have bad days, emotional moments, or periods where everything feels a bit much. Life doesn’t always go smoothly – but things do balance out, and you're not in this alone.
Keep your head up, be gentle with yourself, and don’t forget:
- You matter
- You’re doing your best
- You’re allowed to ask for support
Let’s keep looking out for one another, this May and beyond.
You’ve got this!