Let’s talk about mental health
This blog explores the benefits of getting to know yourself and seeking mental health support when you feel you need it.
Andy Owusu - LSBU OfS Black Students Mental Health Project Officer
According to figures from the UK Government, in England, black people are least likely to be having treatment for mental or emotional problems compared to other ethnic groups (only 6.5% of the black general population were doing so at the time the data was published, compared to 14.5% of white British people).
Over the last few years, many changes have happened in the world and in our personal lives. Many people felt isolated, unsafe and abused during the COVID-19 pandemic and may still live with that trauma.
Deciding to seek counselling may seem overwhelming, especially if you do not know how to communicate your feelings. But that’s not the only way to find inner peace or understand yourself. Journaling and self-reflection can also get you there.
Here are a few questions that you can go through on your own or with a friend.
Get to know yourself...or a friend
- What is my favourite thing about my personality?
- I am happiest when…?
- I feel peaceful when…?
- What is unique about me?
- What do I feel most confident about?
- What traits do I admire in other people?
- What traits don’t I like in other people?
- What is my love language?
- How do I like being apologised to?
- What do I think would make me happy?
- What habit would I change?
- What achievement am I most proud of?
- What is one thing I’ve been procrastinating about getting started?
- Do I fulfil promises I’ve made to myself? If yes, how does that make me feel? If no, what is stopping me?
- What can I forgive myself for today?
- If 10-year-old me saw me today, what do you think they would say?
Get support at your place of study
If you’d like to talk to someone about any concerns you have about your mental health, your university’s wellbeing service is a good starting point. You can use the search function on the Student Space website to find support available at your place of study.
At London South Bank University, for example, students can speak to Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisors, counsellors and multi-faith chaplains who will provide an empathetic space to discuss any difficulties.
Useful Resources
- Black Minds Matter UK - charity organisation connecting black individuals and families with free mental health services
- Black River Counselling – culturally specific short-term counselling for black people by black counsellors and psychotherapists in Lambeth and Southwark
- Croydon BME Forum - provides mental health support to Croydon’s black and minority ethnic communities
- NHS Talking Therapies - free NHS psychological therapies to support people with common mental health problems like anxiety and depression
- The Empowerment Group (teg) - heavily subsidised online 1:1 culturally appropriate therapy for people of Black African and Caribbean heritage (please note that this is not a free service)
- The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network - the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK