What do I mean by this?
Please take a few minutes to watch my video blog, because it highlights the problems in our Universities and Workplaces that although more and more institutions and companies appear to recognise that staff and students are experiencing stress and offering yoga, mindfulness courses and in some situations access to counselling, most of the time, these are over subscribed, have long waiting lists, or the people with responsibility are not trained properly.
Universities
By May 2018 there had been 10 student deaths over 18 months in Bristol University, most of which had been confirmed as suicide.
In March 2018 students took part in a march across the city of Bristol to demand a change to mental health services at the University and yes, they give advice about deep breathing, put on stress management workshops and free sports sessions, but what is Bristol University doing differently to other Universities? Maybe they are not doing anything that differently and maybe they just get hit harder by the press, because Bristol is not just alone.
It’s not what you do, it’s what you say and then how you act!!! You need to educate the people in charge.
For many students, going away to University is their first time away from home, with no access to health support, they don’t know anyone. It can be extremely lonely in those first few weeks/months. I have explained how difficult I found my first few weeks and months in my video blog. It was really hard.
I would advise making the most of Freshers Week though and joining as many clubs as you can, because if you have interests, use them and I can guarantee that you’ll meet people with the same interests as you and you’ll soon start meeting new friends. That’s a start. Start committing your life to who you want to be.
However, at Bristol University, to make matters worse they adopt a fitness-to-study procedure, which they claim is rarely used, but if you are deemed vulnerable you are told to go home and not offered further support. This can make students even more vulnerable.
If you are struggling, please don’t suffer in silence – it really is OK to talk and you will probably find that you’re not the only one feeling the way you do. I can fully appreciate that you may not know who to talk to. All Universities should have a Student Wellbeing Service. The one at Bristol University can be contacted between the hours of 9am and 5pm on 0117 4284300, or you can visit http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/services/student-wellbeing-service/ for more information.
You can also contact the Samaritans if you need someone empathetic and who understands. Their number is 116 123.
Workplace
It is a similar situation in the workplace. I have explained my story in my video blog. More and more larger companies are offering employees access to facilities such as mindfulness, yoga, massage and employee assistance programmes, which provide counselling.
However, as I explain in my blog it’s great providing all of this if the people in charge understand it too.
I was suffering from episodic depression following a life-changing accident, which nearly killed me and that coupled with pressure at work on my return to work resulted in my diagnosis. I was made to feel that it was OK to talk, but when I did I was made to feel incredibly guilty and was questioned about when I would be better. This just made me feel worse and eventually given an ultimatum to either leave my employment, take a sabbatical until I was better (unpaid), or go on a performance management programme.
Because of my employment law background I know that there are laws in place (Equality Act 2010), and policies and procedures (ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures) to help employees who are experiencing these issues, but if you don’t know what to do, you might just plod on and carry on getting dragged down and getting more unwell, until it all gets too much.
You need to know that it most certainly is OK to talk. If you’re feeling overworked, stressed and feeling like you can’t cope, speak to HR if you can’t speak to your Line Manager. You don’t have to raise a formal grievance. If you’re feeling unwell, get some help from a GP. As I mentioned above, many companies have Employee Assistance Programmes, so check if your company offers this and speak to them in confidence. If you don’t talk, they won’t be aware. If you work for a small company and you have no-one to speak to contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100 or www.acas.org.uk.
Finally, as also mentioned in my blog mindfulness saved me and helped me to put the past in the past and focus on the present. However, mindfulness doesn’t take away the infection from the infected wounds. It does help if taught correctly and practiced regularly, but it is not about deep breathing. The rule is to be honest with yourself – find out what gives you fulfillment and feel like your life means something.
Stay Strong!!!
Watch my blog on how it should be OK to talk, but you have to train the ones in Charge, or the reality is things will never change!
