Our Mind Matters

Last week I attended the first conference organised by a Luton charity, Our Mind Matters. I spoke on  the challenges of supporting students of diverse cultures and faiths as part of my role as the Mental Health Advisor here at the University of Bedfordshire.

The charity focuses on promoting mental health and reducing stigma in the diverse communities of Luton. Their vision is:

“Faith and culture play a critical role in understanding mental health and in the recovery from mental illness”

Take a look at what they are doing in our local community.

http://www.ourmindsmatter.org.uk/

Inspirited Minds

At a Conference last week on faith, culture and mental illness I came across a new organisation called Inspirited Minds.

They support people experiencing mental distress. They work mostly with Muslim clients and use Muslim advisers. Details about the organisation are on the link below.

http://inspiritedminds.org.uk/

Working in Academia with Schizophrenia

 A very postive article about mananging schizophrenia as an acedemic.

https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/feb/01/schizophrenia-successful-academic-career-mental-health?CMP=new_1194&CMP=

Manage your stress

 Mind Mattters tips from Student Minds this month about managing stress. See link.

http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b70219677a18313150b6d28cc&id=b732687236&e=614da7115a

Sleep Survey

Good sleep is important to our physical and mental well-being. During Fresher’s week the Health And Well Being Team conducted a sleep survey. We asked students and staff, ‘What two things do you do just before going to sleep?’ We were interested to find that a lot of students spend time watching TV or a film and are on the internet or using their phones. These are activities which are not considered conducive to sleep. From discussion, it seems that although those surveyed are aware that these activities do not help sleep they often chose them. Some feel that watching TV actually helps them drift off to sleep. I know that for me, listening to people talking on the radio or a talking book can send me to sleep. I believe that it is important to look at how individuals respond to stimuli as what is a barrier to sleep for one is not always the same for someone else.

However, if you are finding it difficult to get off to sleep on a regular basis a change in routine may help. Some ideas that can help are relaxation exercises, reading, listening to music, or having a relaxing drink or light snack. Write down worries and reminders for the next day. This can stop you ruminating on things you have to deal with the tomorrow. Don’t lie awake for hours. It takes most people between 20 and 30 minutes to fall asleep. So if you’re still awake after half an hour, it could be that you’re not quite ready to sleep yet so get up and do something relaxing       

                                

I have provided the final list and numbers from the survey below

Watch TV/Film                             70

Surf the internet/use phone           50

Listen to music                            30

Have a bath or shower                 30

Have a snack or drink                  18

Talk to a friend                            14

Spend the time with partner          11

Nothing                                       10

Read a book                               16

Study                                          7

Other                                          6

Relax                                          6

Play computer games                  5

Preparing to come to university

Coming to university can be a new and exciting experience. The chance to live away from home for the first time and be independent. Student Minds can help with tips to prepare you for the move and how to settle in during the first few weeks. See the website for more information.

 http://www.studentminds.org.uk/starting-university.html

Share your #BestNightIn photo for Freshers' Week

Student Minds have been noticing something odd about social media. According to social media, everyone is having an amazing time… all the time. If we are to believe social media, then everyone is out partying with their best mates every night. We don’t believe it! We know that for many of you, the best night isn’t a night out and there’s lots more to get up to during Freshers’ Week.

Share your best night in with Student Mnids

 Post a picture on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook of your night in, and share it with the hashtag #BestNightIn.