Wednesday 10-10-2018 - 08:15

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, a day to recognise the importance of our mental health and to raise awareness of the issues you might face throughout life.

There is no shame in experiencing a mental health issue and there is lots of support on campus and in Manchester, if you need to talk. Some students are tackling the negative stigma and myths around mental health, speaking up and taking action for a more mental health aware community at Manchester Met and beyond. Take a look at some of the ways you are helping to start the conversation about mental health:

 

World Mental Health Day Event

A collaboration between Residential Life, The Union, MMU Sport and Counselling and Wellbeing, pop down to this free event to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

There will be access to support and information about mental health and MMU Sport can show you how sport can improve your wellbeing. With games and activities to get involved with and a tombola to raise money for Manchester Mind, the first 30 guests will receive a free goodie bag, plus there'll be snack too. Find out more.

 

Student artwork at the Arts Festival

As part of the Arts Festival taking place this weekend, there is a range of art, films and discussions that directly or tangentially relate to mental health issues. You can view paintings that represent the experience of psychosis or read poetry about the mental health impacts of disability discrimination.  A whole host of exciting and interesting films, which touch on wellbeing and mental health through the lens of discrimination and the other side of the coin, diversity and acceptance, will be screened across the weekend for your perusal — and it's free! Join us and get your free ticket here. 

 

BAME Mental Health Society

A new society focusing on the Mental Health of BAME students is being created by a first year student interested in addressing the ways in which racism and discrimination can affect BAME mental health. This will be a positive community in which mental health is openly discussed and destigmatised. If you are a BAME student with an interest in taking part and building a campaign to make sure every student can talk about and feel supported in their mental health, pop into the Opportunities Office on the first floor of The Union and join the society. 

 

Lesser- Known Mental Health Issues

Bea, Chair of the Time to Change Society, is setting out to campaign on lesser-known mental health issues including psychosis and dissociative disorders. Often, when we talk about mental health, depression and anxiety, some of the most widely experienced and recognised mental health issues, are at the forefront of discussion. However, there are still many other mental health experiences which remain incredibly stigmatised, misunderstood and misrepresented. This campaign aims to educate and bring together students at Manchester Met, as well as broadening the conversation and show that there is support available for whatever you are going through.

 

Want to take action? You can.

Why not join in some of the projects and campaigns mentioned, or start your own? The Union is here to help you access opportunities in the community, start your own society or run a campaign. Our elected full time student officers are keen to make mental health awareness a part of The Union's work across the year. Drop into the Voice Office on the first floor for a chat or get in touch.

 

Where can I get support and advice?

The Union Advice Centre - https://manmet.unioncloud.org/advice-centre/health/mental-health

Counselling Health and Wellbeing - https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/counselling/

The Samaritans -  https://www.samaritans.org/branches/manchester-and-salford-samaritans

Self Help Manchester -  https://www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/

LGBT+ Foundation - https://lgbt.foundation/who-we-help/women/mental-health