Every year on World Mental Health Day, global efforts come together to take action to improve well-being and make mental health a global priority. I believe that, as students and members of the university community, we can create change by starting small...ensuring to make students' mental health a priority at Imperial!
University has the potential to be "the best time of your life". Yet, more students than ever are struggling with their mental health. For me, university was (and still is) a terrible struggle against bipolar disorder. I had to compromise and accept the personal and academic toll of my illness and, unfortunately, my university journey has exposed me to the inadequate mental health support available to students. However, it never crossed my mind to give up on my education...and neither should any student at Imperial.
As your Mental Health Officer, I will do my best to make sure YOUR mental health is a priority at our university by:
- Awareness: holding campaigns and events to spread mental health awareness, signposting to mental health support and fighting mental health stigma
- Prevention: advocating for adequate disability and counselling services
- Intervention: working towards clear and inclusive academic support policies
- Collaboration: promoting cooperation between students and staff in making mental health a priority
I want to encourage everyone to be committed to this ambition and I am looking forward to listening to your ideas.
To make mental health a priority...let's start at Imperial!
Because there cannot be education without well-being.
I am looking forward to a great year ahead!