Connection

One stigma I easily associate with mental health is the one associated with seeing a counsellor.

Even in 2022, there is still a palpable hesitation to reach out to some sort of counselling support. As I read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection,where she talks about working through her ‘midlife unravelling’ with her therapist, I am convinced that we really need to change how we view counsellors. I see how mental health as a concept is a bit trickier to visualise than physical health, but there are so many benefits (if that’s the word easiest to use for now) to speaking to a counsellor or support person even when one isn’t going through a crisis. 

One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on “going it alone”, somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone.  Brene Brown

For some, it can be really daunting to speak to a stranger, even if they are a professional. It really does just take one step though, one call or one online booking. There is no need to "go it alone". The Wellbeing Hub has some excellent resources here and also lists the key sources for support available.

I also asked other students - what self-care activities do you do with your friends that help strengthen connection as well? Here are some of their responses:

• Volunteer
• Cooking classes
• Game night
• Try a new exercise class
• Road trip
• Picnic

If you still need some ideas, head over to the Wellbeing Hub and sign up for some of the events with your friends this Mental Health Awareness month. There are lots of ways to get connected.