If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us and will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, we can all get through this, and the University is here for you in so many ways to support you.
What’s this year’s theme?
This Mental Health Awareness Week is all about the power of kindness and how it positively impacts your mental health – especially now during the pandemic.
Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and helps you understand yourself better. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health.
Pretty much every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practice, and so this week we’re celebrating what it means to be kind and encouraging everyone to take some time to find ways to be kind to yourself and others. Head over to @uomwellbeing to get involved!
Finding support for your mental health
We understand now more than ever that you might need some extra help, and no matter where in the world you are there’s loads of support out there to help you if you’re struggling in any way.
Academic Support
If you’re struggling with the transition to online learning and need some direction, the Student Support site has loads of resources, guides and workshops on everything to do with your studies.
We’d also encourage you to speak to your Academic Advisor or School Support Office if you need to speak to someone about study stress and academic worries, plus the Students’ Union advice team is still open via email if you’re looking for independent support for your mental health.
Wellbeing Support
The Student Support site is the place to go if you’re looking for any kind of support, and they have a handy guide on how to contact the support services you need from home if you need someone to talk to.
The Student Support site also has plenty of resources to help you take care of your mental wellbeing, from workshops and interactive online courses to advice from other students and everything in between.
Big White Wall
Everyone at the University of Manchester can access free online mental health and wellbeing support with Big White Wall, any time, any day. You will have access to a 24/7 online community, monitored by trained clinicians. Big White Wall is a safe space online to get things off your chest, have conversations, get creative and learn how to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
NHS Self Help Guides
These information leaflets offer guidance on addressing common mental health problems from stress, shyness, anxiety and depression to anger, alcohol dependence, domestic violence and eating disorders. Each guide comes with an introductory video and is available for download as leaflet or audio file.