Being aware of your mental health

**As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) Warwick Psychology Society are holding several events which aim to increase students’ understanding of mental health issues, and reduce associated stigmas.**

Statistics show that over 90 per cent of students report feelings of extreme stress at university, and 25 per cent suffer from a mental health problem. However, unlike with physical problems, the majority of students experiencing mental health issues often feel too ashamed to seek help.

Accordingly, throughout the week there will be talks, workshops, self-help groups and seminars focused on symptoms of mental disorders and treatment options.

As well as psychologists, therapists and representatives from charities, students who have personally suffered from mental health problems will give talks about their experiences.

Monday will be focused on depression and anxiety, with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust giving a workshop helping students to target the symptoms of depression with self-help and counselling. The trust was set up after Charlie Waller, a young man, committed suicide from depression.

Eating disorders will be the theme on Tuesday, with talks being held about men’s eating disorders and experiences students have had. A positive body image workshop held by the charity ‘Succeed’ will round up the day’s events.

Well-being will be promoted on Wednesday, with an aroma therapist showing students how using essential oils can help boost happiness and relieve stress and anxiety.

On Thursday, there will be a free meditation class, and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia will be discussed by psychologists and student speakers.

Friday will be focused on how students can get help from mental health services, such as Nightline, the Samaritans, Papyrus and Minds for Health.

As well as this, student run self-help groups will be held regularly throughout the week, and fundraising will take place in the piazza and SU.

Ioana Rotaru, coordinator of this year’s MHAW, described how imperative it is that students increase their awareness of mental health problems: “The stigma surrounding mental health issues is immense, and people often have to hide their problems in order not to be treated differently.

“Perhaps as a student you have been affected by a mental health issue or you know a friend that is affected – well talking helps, and as such MHAW is vitally important for encouraging this.”

MHAW will be taking place February 18-22. For further details and a timetable of the events, visit: warwicksu.com/campaigns/mentalhealthawarenessweek