World Mental Health Day

Mental health is something that we are often reluctant to talk about. With one in three of us directly experiencing or being affected by mental ill health, it is something that most of us will have in common.

The 10th October is a great opportunity for us to shine a light on the need to break the stigma around talking about mental health and to make a commitment to ourselves to look after our own mental and emotional wellbeing.

The theme of this year’s event is suicide prevention and the focus of the students’ union will be to promote practicing self-care with students. Self-care is how we nourish and look after our own wellbeing and there are lots of simple ways, we can start to make this a habit in our own lives and for our fellow students:

1. Be more aware of your mental and emotional needs

Be aware of how you are feeling, make time each day to check in with yourself. Remember that you are the most important person in your life and your self-care must come first. Watch out for any signs that you may be unwell. These will be individual to you but making time to reflect will help you understand what these may be so that you can get support as soon as possible.

2. Make time for therapeutic activities

Relaxation You may already know what helps you relax, e.g. going for a walk, taking a bath, listening to music or reading a book. Make a date with yourself each day to do the things that help you to relax and unwind. Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice that help you focus on the present moment. This can help ease busy minds, reduce symptoms of anxiety and contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Click here for more information on mindfulness practice

3. Listen to one another and encourage others to seek support:

Change your Mind campaign through Inspire Wellbeing, highlights the importance of listening and encouraging people to develop their active listening skills.

Opening up and talking about our concerns and feelings will often have a therapeutic effect. Many of us prefer not to talk about what’s bothering us; however, reaching out, either to share our own problems or act as a sounding board for others in need of help, is a valuable, simple way of easing worries and break the stigma attached to talking about mental health. Every situation is different, and there are no definitive answers. It can be as simple as getting them to talk about what’s happening and listening to their problems and worries. It is important that we look out for one another.

The ability to listen, to take in and digest what we’re hearing, is a crucial tool when it comes to offering support. Listening effectively is something many of us can develop in order to benefit ourselves and those with whom we interact.

The art of active listening is based on the three Rs: Repeat, Reflect, Respond:

• Repeat: Repeating the things we’ve been told demonstrates, at the very least, that we’re attuned to what we’re hearing. It helps to show that we’ve understood, and we can better do this by summarising the other person’s statements or repeating a word or phrase, prompting them to go on, safe in the knowledge that we are engaged listeners.
• Reflect: We can maintain the conversation by reflecting on what we’ve heard, offering some basic insights into the other person’s experiences. A question like “So, you’re feeling hurt by the situation, but you still enjoy working there?” allows us to delve deeper and provide more support. If people gloss over important details, we can try asking “Why not tell me more about that?” Either approach helps us clarify things for everyone involved.
• Respond: Don’t feel obliged to remain impassive. Responding to what we’re being told displays our interest; it signals to people that their issues are worthwhile. “That must have been terrible” or “I’m sorry to hear you’ve had an awful time” are straightforward, supportive statements, although, sometimes, silence can also be fine. Concentrate on non-verbal responses. Nodding our heads, maintaining direct eye contact and staying quiet while the other person talks; all are cues that indicate our attention

What you say shouldn’t influence what the other person has to say. It just encourages them to talk. Let the person express their feelings and listen carefully to what they have to say. Listen without judgement and let them know you are there to help. 

Support Services offered for students in the College

1. Inspire Wellbeing: 

SERC students have access to a 24-hour telephone support line on 0800 389 5362.

The helpline provides access to professional counsellors able to support any problem and if you need support beyond the phone call, with further discussion on your concern. Counsellors are also available every TUESDAY on every campus from 10am:  

• Bangor – Student Meeting Room {Opposite LRC}
• Downpatrick – Students Union Office
• Newtownards – Interview room {Behind Reception}
• Lisburn – Wellbeing Room (beside reception).

2. Youth Health Advice Service

SERC Health is a Youth Health Advice Service which is here to help all our students to stay healthy and well. A qualified nurse Ruth Ewing is available to meet students individually and confidentially. 

• Lisburn Campus: Wellbeing Room (Beside Reception), Mondays 9.30 – 12.30
• Newtownards Campus: First Aid Room, Tuesdays 9.30 – 12.30
• Downpatrick Campus: First Aid room, Wednesdays 9.30 – 12.30
• Bangor Campus: Meeting Room (Opposite the LRC), Fridays 9.30 – 12.30

This is a drop in service, for 16 – 25 year olds across the, and is centrally located at each campus, or if you prefer you can book an appointment by email.

Ruth can be contacted on mobile : 077 5331 0352 or appointments can be made through email: serchealth@setrust.hscni.net