Mental health problems are experienced by 1 in 4 students at one time or another. From dealing with stress to anxiety and depression, it is important to know you are not alone in facing these difficulties. To help you make the most of your time at university and cope with the demands of your course to the best of your ability, UAL are running mental health events all week, in support of University Mental Health Day on Thursday 1 March.
University Mental Health Day is an annual national campaign, run by UMHAN and Student Minds, to encourage positive mental health for those who live, work and study in University settings. This year the theme is Community – everybody plays a part in contributing to the positive mental well-being within the university environment, and being part of a community is one of the great benefits of being here.
Whether you are struggling yourself or help care for someone living with mental health issues, there are a number of well-being events running throughout this week, and the academic year, to help you manage better.
We’ve put together a helpful round-up of the well-being events on across UAL this week and more…
Tuesday 27 February
Seeing Things Differently
London College of Fashion and High Holborn Student Centre
1-2pm
The workshop taster session Seeing Things Differently is a safe space for students to explore the effects of mental health and how it impacts on their lives, emotions and bodily sensations and find better ways to manage it. The aim is to gain insight into these difficulties and begin to see things differently, enabling access to support from across the University and local communities
Puppies and Lunch
High Holborn Campus Activity Centre (through the Blueprint Cafe)
12-2pm
Pets and the companionship they offer can be a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. They can help us to live mentally healthier lives and interacting with them can be beneficial for those suffering from depression. This Tuesday we are bringing puppies and pizza to the High Holborn campus so come along to play and unwind.
Tai Chi
High Holborn (Room 203)
6-8pm
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art practiced for its defense training and its health benefits. Some of the benefits claimed for tai chi include: better mood, lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety, and more energy.
Wednesday 28 February
Mindfulness
High Holborn Student Centre
2-3.30pm
Mindfulness can help to reduce stress and anxiety and to improve concentration and focus and is recommended by many to manage symptoms of mental health issues. Come along to the session to learn how to live more in the moment.
Head Massages
LCC Lower Gallery space (Pledge Tree stall)
12 – 2pm
Come and unwind with a head massage and explore the labyrinth sensory activity planned for relaxing. Head massages can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and can renew energy levels as well as boost memory capabilities.
Thursday 1 March
Yoga
Camberwell (Wilson Road Lecture Theatre)
6-7pm
Yoga is known to increase body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, strain and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms and centers the nervous system. Yoga’s positive benefits on mental health have made it an important practice tool of psychotherapy.
Mental Health Adviser Amberlee Green has rounded up 5 apps that are good for mental health. Carefully reviewed and tested by Amberlee herself, check out the full list below.
Infographic by Amberlee Green
University Mental Health Day events are running across the week and if you don’t get a chance to attend check out other well-being events in the year
- Check out some of the other well-being events on at UAL
- Find out about the counselling health and advice services
- Come along to one of our upcoming events