Photo Credit: Roberto Trm
It used to be taboo to mention mental illness, for fear of being judged, misunderstood, or labelled ‘crazy’. People are more accepting of the terms now – depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks and so on – but for the individual, it can often still be difficult to vocalise what’s going on in their mind.
As such, it is quite difficult for me to say that I have experienced both depression and anxiety issues. I’d like to think that this isn’t obvious to those who know me, since no one wants to be known for the problems they have with their own mind, but deep down I know these two things can define me as much as any one of my personality traits.
University is a breeding ground for depression. With financial stress, deadlines, looming unemployment and relationship pressures, it’s no surprise. One in four students is said to experience depression while at university, and while we’re incredibly lucky to have such a supportive pastoral care system in place at this university, it’s a sad fact that we need it so much in the first place.
But what can we do to change these statistics? It seems unlikely that the university would offer leniency with regard to hand-in dates, and extremely doubtful that landlords would let up on their extortionate rent rates. On the other hand, expecting students to deal with such immense stress for three years of their life without any support or help seems unfair. We need all the help we can get, as mental illness is debilitating, isolated and incredibly hard to deal with alone.
Photo Credit: jronaldlee
The counselling service at the university is an invaluable resource for students that need help. We also have Voice, the student-run listening service, open late at night, and always ready and willing to lend an ear. Outside of the university, there are a number of other aids to make sure no one has to deal with mental illness alone, which are detailed at the bottom of this article. However, it takes a great deal of bravery to take action against depression and other mental issues, and sometimes the hardest thing is to admit that there’s a problem.
Because of this, our university could do more to advertise the support it offers to its students. While I know that there is an incredible welfare system in place, I also know that that support system is criminally underused and unknown by the majority of the student body, and many still suffer from mental illness alone and in silence. Increasing awareness about the services and help available will make it easier for those in need to get in touch.
With the addition of the Mood Disorders building to our campus, and with the recent changes within the Counselling Service (now the Wellbeing Centre, and relocated to opposite the Student Health Centre), it is clear that the stigma of mental illness is fading. It is only a small step now for the university to really engage with those in need of these services, and ensure that everyone knows that there is always a safety net, and that no one has to go without the help they need.
If you, or someone you know, needs someone to talk to, whether about mental illness, or anything at all, here are some useful contacts:
Samaritans: 08457 909090 (24h)
Voice: 01392 724000 or 4000 from a campus phone (8pm-8am)
Student Wellbeing Centre: 01392 724381
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
SANE:www.sane.org.uk
To Write Love On Her Arms: www.twloha.com
Kate Gray
Online Comment Editor
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