Today is World Mental Health Day (WMHD); a day which is observed globally every year on 10th October. Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time of the year. However, today is a great day for mental health education and awareness. For showing your support against the social stigma of mental health problems, and to start looking after your own wellbeing.
Mental health and young people
With mental ill health often starting in young adulthood, and 1 in 5 young people suffering from a mental illness – that’s 20 percent of our population, the focus of this year’s WMHD campaign is on young people and mental health in a changing world.
Young people today are faced with constant stressors and challenges; happening in their own lives and in the world around them. They are growing up battling the effects of human rights violations, wars and violence in the home, schools and businesses. They also spend most of their day on the internet – experiencing cyber crimes, cyber bullying, and playing violent video games. Suicide and substance abuse numbers have also been steadily rising. LGBTQ youth are feeling alone and persecuted for being true to themselves. Young adults are at the age when serious mental illnesses can occur, yet they are taught little to nothing about mental illness.
It’s vital that we give young people access to the support they need to grow up happy, healthy and resilient. And whether we have a mental health problem or not, we all need to take care of our mental health and wellbeing. Below are some self-care tips to help protect students and young people against stress.
Coping with Stress:
If you are concerned about your own mental health and wellbeing, remember you are not alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, lecturer, university or accommodation staff, support line or charity similar to Student Minds, it’s important to speak to someone about how you are feeling.
Furthermore, you can find out more about World Mental Health Day here.
