For this week’s blog I decided to write about a topic I am currently studying via Seas Suas training programme held here on campus. It is aimed at encouraging pupils to be proactive in helping fellow students who may be in need of help and to develop skills to respond safely in challenging situations.

Our first of two session took place in Áras Moyola last Tuesday (6^th February) where we were introduced to Ben Hughes, Project Leader for Seas Suas who spoke to us about the objectives of the course that I briefly mentioned above. He then introduced us to Mr. Martin Rogan, CEO of Mental Health Ireland. Mr. Rogan who has worked in the field for over thirty years was very informative and I would like to share a few things he mentioned.  

Mental and Emotional health is all about balancing the following:

• Your relationship with yourself (Be kind to yourself!)
• Your relationship with others and
• Coping with life’s demands

‘Top Tip’ for students who are finding it difficult studying and keeping focused during the semester is to make sure the following vitamins and minerals are included in your diet:

• Vitamin C, D and all the B Complex
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Omega 3

Checklists – For those of you who find responsibilities or tasks overwhelming, keep a checklist. Checklists are a great tool for reinforcing a step-by-step approach that helps gain focus and productivity while also releasing head space (overcrowding of thoughts in your mind).

Reflect Everyday – By reflecting for up to 15 minutes daily will allow you to fall asleep more easily as you have already let the thoughts of the day flow in and out of your mind.

Stay connected – Staying connecting with friends and family around you and sustaining your support network.

Engage – Stay engaged and responsive if people are trying to help you. They care about you and wouldn’t be trying to help otherwise. Appreciate those that to try to help.

Exercise – By exercising we release endorphins or the happy hormone. A brisk 20-minute walk 3 times a week is a great start to a healthy habit and a healthy mind.

There are more factors relating to good mental health and I have only touched on a few of those for my blog.

Come back next week when I will be updating you all on my second session of training with Seas Suas and what I have learnt!

Have a great weekend everyone and should anyone feel they need help with any mental health issue, please feel free to talk to one of the WELL crew here at The Hub who will be more than happy to guide you to all the amazing services to be found on campus.

Happy Mental Health to you all!

Cliona