15th - 21st May 2023
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This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Anxiety”.
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
There are many things that can lead to feelings of anxiety, and it is one of the most common Mental Health problems we face as a society. The Mental Health Awareness Week theme is Anxiety this year with the aim of raising awareness and understanding of anxiety.
Below are some resources and signposting to services, as well as some self-care tips...
1. Focus on your breathing – when having anxious thoughts, try focussing on your breathing, concentrating on the feeling of your body as you breathe in and out. It can help you control the thought(s) you are having.
2. Get Moving – exercise is a good way of dealing with anxiety. It doesn’t have to be vigorous and can be things such as gentle stretching, yoga or seated exercises. It can even be as simple as going for a walk!
3. Keep a diary – it’s important not to ignore your worries. Recording what’s happening in your life and how it’s affecting you can help you to understand what triggers your anxiety.
4. Worry time – sometimes it helps to give yourself a certain time of day to allocate as “worry time”. This is where you would do something constructive with your worrying, such as writing in a diary. When that’s out of the way, you can move on with the rest of your day.
5. Spend time in nature – we know that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our mental health. It can help to calm us and feel less stressed. It could be something as simple as tending to some flowers or going for a walk.
6. Connect with people – anxiety can feel very lonely and connecting with other people can help a lot. Spend some time with friends or meet people through activities such as volunteering, sport or social clubs or peer support groups.
You can support from a range of agencies, as listed below:
· Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional. Remember: in an emergency, call 999
· Talk to someone you trust
· Talk to Samaritans – offers emotional support 24 hours a day – 116 123 (Free helpline)
· Shout Crisis Text Line – For support in a crisis, text SHOUT to 85258 – can support with issues such as: suicide, self-harm, bullying, relationship challenges.
· Anxiety UK – established in 1970, Anxiety UK is run by and for those with anxiety, they offer a range of extensive support services designed to help those suffering with anxiety and anxiety-based depression. Call: 03444 775 774 (9:30am – 5:30pm Monday – Friday).
· Rethink Mental Illness – For practical advice on therapy, medication, financial advice, prison/courts and your rights under the Mental Health Act, call: 0300 5000 927 Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm
· MIND – Mind offer a range of support services in relation to Mental Health and also have self-help resources on their website. You can call the Mind helpline on 0300 123 3393 or if you need legal advice, call 0300 466 6463
Support within College:
· Student Assistance Programme – The Sheffield College has initiated a 24/7 helpline for students in partnership with an external organisation. The helpline can offer advice on financial/housing concerns, mental health difficulties, exam pressures etc. You can call them at any time on: 0800 028 3766 or download the Health Assured App using the unique code: MHA208186.
· You can speak to your Student Mentor or Personal Tutor in College who will support you to source the most appropriate form of support.
· You can also speak directly to the Safeguarding Team. Contact us via email: safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk or speak to your Student Mentor/Personal Tutor about arranging an face-to-face appointment.
· We offer a range of enrichment opportunities here at The Sheffield College. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities is helpful for mental health and particularly anxiety. It can help to improve social interactions, positive mindset etc. Speak to your Personal Tutor or email studentsunion@sheffcol.ac.uk about the enrichment offer if you are interested.
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