When I was younger, Christmas day, New Year day and maybe birthdays were the only days I thought were worth celebrating but as I grew older, I couldn't help but notice that in the world we live in today, almost every day seems to be designated for one celebration or another and yesterday was World Mental Health Day. A day that, to be honest, I had never paid much attention to. In my curiosity, I embarked on a journey of research and reached out to my connections to gain a deeper understanding of this day. In this week's article, I'm excited to share a few eye-opening insights from my exploration.
World Mental Health Day is not just another date on the calendar, it is a day dedicated to serving as a global reminder of the paramount importance of mental health. It's a call to action, a collective voice that resonates with individuals and institutions alike, compelling them to recognize the significance of mental well-being in our lives. As I delved deeper into the essence of this day, I realised that it's a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the holistic concept of health, which encompasses not just our physical well-being but also our mental and emotional states.
One of the key takeaways from my conversations with some of our Business Students was the pervasive stigma associated with mental health. It's disheartening to see that many individuals continue to struggle with mental health issues in silence due to societal misconceptions and judgments. The World Mental Health Day helps by providing a platform to challenge these stigmas through the encouragement of open dialogues, discussions, and awareness campaigns that collectively work to dismantle the barriers stopping people from seeking the help they need.
Regardless of where we come from, our backgrounds, or the cultures we belong to, mental health challenges are a universal reality and in today's fast-paced and demanding world, safeguarding our mental health is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one. World Mental Health Day encourages us to educate ourselves about mental health, prioritize our own well-being, and reach out to support others. It is a day that calls for a commitment to promoting a more empathetic and compassionate society.
It's crucial for students to understand that they are not alone on this journey. The University of Dundee offers a robust support system designed to address the diverse needs of student as it relates to Mental health. This support includes counselling services staffed with professionals who are trained to provide assistance tailored to individual needs. Whether it's academic stress, personal issues, or mental health concerns, reaching out to these services is a proactive step toward seeking help. We also have the Nightline Dundee which is a confidential listening and information service run by students, for students. They will listen to you about anything you would like to talk about, without judgement and without telling you what to do. Other resources provided by the University to help tackle Mental Health related issues can be found here.
As I write this article, I realise that World Mental Health day is not just another celebration but it's a reminder of the beauty of our shared humanity and the responsibility we bear to protect and nurture our minds. In the end, every day should be a day for mental health awareness so we can collectively work toward a world where well-being knows no boundaries and compassion is our universal language. Show us some love by liking this post and telling us how you are actually doing in the comment section.