Page 8 - $TUD£NT$ magazine

HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Mind matters:

What is mental health and how can it manifest?
WHERE CAN I

ental health is the such as eating too much or too lit-
level of psycholog- tle food which can make a person ill.
ical well-being or Obsessive-compulsive disorder – FIND HELP?
an absence of men- Sometimes referred to as OCD, is
Mtal illness. It deter- when someone experiences obsessive
mines how we handle stress, relate to thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
other people and make choices. Essen- It is a form of anxiety disorder, where
tially it is all about how we think, feel sufferers have obsessive and per-
and behave. It can affect daily life, re- sistent thoughts, many times irratio-
lationships, and even physical health. nal and has to perform anxiety allevi-
ating behaviour (also predominately alk to your friends and charity, SANE, run an out-of-hours
Anxiety and panic attacks – Anxiety is irrational) to alleviate their distress. family, let them know helpline from 4.30 pm–10.30 pm ev-
a feeling of unease ranging from mild how it is that you feel. ery day of the year on 0300 304 7000
to severe. It is a normal emotion that Self-harm – When someone hurts Talk to trusted adults in
everyone experiences, sometimes, themselves deliberately in order to Tyour local community, CALM – CALM (the Campaign
however, someone might find them- cope with emotional distress. More school or university such as teach- Against Living Miserably) has a spe-
selves feeling anxious or fearful for than half of people who die by sui- ers and counsellors. Sometimes just cific focus on reducing suicide rates
no recognisably apparent reason. If it cide have a history of self-harm. Self- talking at your problems helps you among young males, but still offers
occurs too often or prevents someone harm can be a cry for help , with the feel better. The best things that friends general mental health advice too. Their
from functioning normally, it becomes intention to punish oneself, relieve and family can do it simply listen. helpline and webchat are open at 5
an issue. It manifests itself in extreme extreem tension and express distress. pm–midnight every day of the year.
stress or worry, and this can develop The Samaritans – Open 24 hours a day,
into panic attacks with symptoms in- Suicidal feelings – Suicidal feelings So now that you are seven days a week on 116 123. If you pre- Mental health services are free in the
cluding shortness of breath, increased can range from being preoccupied aware of just some of the fer to write down your feelings, or you’re United Kingdom. Some mental health
heart rate, sweating and blurry vision with abstract thoughts about ending possible mental illness worried about being overheard, you services allow you to refer yourself.
your life, or feeling that people would that can affect people, can email them to jo@samaritans.org Mental health problems are just like
Bipolar disorder – This is the diagnosis be better off without you, to thinking where can you find help? physical health problems and should-
given to a person with fluctuating emo- about methods of suicide, or mak- Nightline – All universities have a nt be ignored. Should you or someone
tions, such as severe high and low moods ing clear plans to take your own life. nightline that usually runs during you know be suffering then an appoint-
term time from around 8 pm – 8 ment with the local GP should be made.
Depression – Depression is a long-last- am. They provide a secure, anony-
ing low mood that affects daily life. In mous service that listens to and ad- All British Universities offer mental
its mildest form, It doesn’t deter you vises you but allow you to make your health, wellbeing and counselling ser-
from living your normal life, but it own decisions on any further action. vices. Check your university website or
makes it more difficult and less reward- talk to your tutors so they can point you
ing to do anything. Depression can be Mind – Mind is the UK’s leading men- in the right direction. Your personal tu-
life-threatening at its most serious tal health charity, and you can call their tor is often a good place to start. Student
because it can make you feel suicidal. info line from 9 am–6 pm every weekday unions are also often welcoming places
for further information about the men- which can offer support. Most unions

Eating disorders – Eating disorders oc- tal health support in your local area.w have a student advice center which
cur when someone has an unhealthy can give you advice for specific top-
relationship and attitude towards food SANE – Another leading mental health ics such as finances or accomadation.

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