What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAW) starts today and is taking place throughout May. MHAW is a campaign organised by many charities across multiple countries.

Each organisation aims to facilitate and empower smaller local groups to run various outreach events to spread awareness about different mental health conditions, their symptoms and the challenges associated with navigating day-to-day life with mental health struggles.

Why is MHAW important?

Spreading awareness and reducing stigma are phrases often used when reading about campaigns surrounding mental health. This is mostly because there's still so much work to do, for example, much of society will not know the medical background or nature of conditions.

There's a lot of misinformation online and due to the vulnerable and sensitive nature of the topic, mental health is usually not openly discussed. Common misconceptions reinforce this pattern which can add further difficulties for individuals already struggling with their health.

There are various risk factors which can increase an individual's likelihood of developing a mental health condition including stress, loneliness and social factors, many things university students will experience during their studies. As a result, it's crucial we ensure support and education on mental health are provided for students.

What's on at Imperial College Union?

Within ICU, the Mental Health Network is collaborating with students, other networks, and Move Imperial to run a series of events throughout May as part of a student-led Mental Health Awareness Month campaign.

The main aim when choosing events and activities was to provide students the opportunity to try something new and/or rediscover an old hobby whilst meeting new people and making new friends. In a welcoming environment, we hope to encourage honest conversations and highlight existing support services within Imperial.

With this in mind, the following activities were chosen...

🟢 Mental Health Awareness Month Yoga - Registration required.

🟢 Clay Sculpting Workshop in collaboration with Art Club

🟢 Creative Writing Workshop

🟢 Gardening Session with RE:GEN

🟢 Mental Health Awareness Month creative space

🟢 Colour Run with Move Imperial - Registration required.

Why are we running these events?

One of my main statements during my 2024 campaign for Mental Health Officer was: "I strongly believe an individual's mental well-being should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of a successful career or student experience", something I still passionately believe.

Running these events will hopefully provide opportunities for students to reach out to others, learn about mental health, mental well-being and the support offered at Imperial.

Thanks for taking the time to read! Please do come along to the events, spread the word to fellow staff and students (events are open to all individuals at Imperial!) and look after yourselves during this busy time of the academic year.

Take care!

- Miriam, Mental Health Officer 2024/25