If you need a helping hand …

Right about now I’m sure you’re being constantly reminded how great University is (or might be for you!), the fun and excitement it entails… the topics you can delve into… yada yada yada…

And I COMPLETELY agree! In fact in the last few posts I’ve being trying to coax you into studying at York precisely because of those reasons. Although it would be unfair for me to pretend everything is rosy at uni. I’d be lying to say that everything goes to plan!

Things go wrong.

For everyone.

Some more so than others.

University is tough. Or at least it has been at times for me. *hoping I’m not alone in thinking this*

I’m aware this is counter to the drab media representation of student life as a complete blissful doss…

I never thought like this when I was applying for Uni, but actually, it’s nice to have the reassurance that there’s the support available at University if you need. To think that someone can support you. If you need a helping hand there is one.

Of course, making good friendships is key to getting that support. But it’s also key that the University understands student problems, and knows how to deal with them when it’s appropriate for them to do so.

So how does the school of PEP and York Uni fare on all this?

Unfortunately, I’ve found out the hard way.

In my second year, I had a problem. It was a particularly rare problem for students at university. I was “over-working”. I was stressed and I was anxious and I was making myself unwell with it all. There were some incredibly low points.

This is where the School of PEP and Uni come in.

The first person I sought help from was a Doctor, from the doctors’ surgery we have on campus. Then I saw my supervisor, an appointed academic placed to guide you through university. Next, I went to see some psychologists who offer therapy at the university as part of a service called ‘Open Doors’. All of these people gave me their time and energy.

We realised together that I was suffering from a mental health problem called ‘perfectionism’ (no… this is not the same as being a perfectionist in the everyday sense of the word before you ask). It was causing my severe anxiety, I was sort of trapped in negative cycles of thoughts and behaviour. The details of it aren’t important here.

From then onwards, all those people have given me more of their time and energy (all for free I might add!) to help me overcome it. And… I am overcoming it you’ll be glad to hear. I fully expect to graduate this summer as planned.

Mental health amongst the student population is an increasing issue. I have to say I am so lucky to have the possibility of seeing behavioural psychologists, for free, every 2 weeks or so. Without all this I genuinely am unsure what might have happened to me… York Uni holds mental health awareness events frequently, trying to raise awareness and tackle such issues.

The School of PEP were also very attentive and helpful in re-arranging my academic commitments to take account of my illness. York’s colleges each have an appointed person to contact if things go wrong, and York also boasts a very popular Chaplaincy service who advise on any matters you can think of.

As corny as it sounds, I am proof that York is doing a lot to help students and support them.

Occasionally, things go wrong. Almost inevitably so. You might need your supervisor, a doctor, a psychologist, a chaplain, a student union officer. I’m happy to say that York offers all of these.

You’ll be in safe hands.