The thought of starting university can be a daunting for many. With the switch from your hometown to a big new city surrounded by strangers, anxieties can naturally arise a little too easily! I’m going to share a little about what led me to get in touch with Open Door – a team of Mental Health Practitioners and Student Wellbeing Officers – at the University of York.
When it started
During my A-Level summer, just as I was about to move away for university, these feelings became a huge part of my life. They were impacting upon my excitement for university and instead turning it into anxiety. One of the core roots of these feelings for me was leaving a key support system of mine, my family, and worrying about finding someone to talk to if these feelings were to happen again.
How I accessed Open Door
I soon became aware of Open Door, one of York’s many student support services. Open Door is a self-referral system, where you can talk to trained, supportive Mental Health Practitioners and Wellbeing Officers on campus. They’re there to provide free support to registered students experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties. Whether it be a big life event or a mid-week wobble, the Open Door team will welcome you with open arms and offer supportive and genuine advice.
I personally decided to try this for myself at the start of year 1. At this point, I felt a talk about my feelings starting at university would benefit me greatly. To do this, I used the self-refer form, available on the University website. I had to fill in my details, what I wanted to talk about and how I was feeling, sharing however much or little I felt comfortable with. I then received a response merely 48 hours later, letting me book an appointment to a time that suited me best around my timetable.
What happens during your appointment
A few days later, it was time for my appointment. Only a short walk from my accommodation, Open Door is located in the Sally Baldwin building, usefully right in the centre of Campus West. I was met and introduced to my lovely practitioner, who then led me to have a seat. Once I was settled, we had an honest and open discussion around anything I felt was on my mind. The practitioner was actively involved within the conversation, creating a safe and healing environment within the appointment.
My decision to book myself this appointment was one I could never thank myself enough for. The feelings and mindset I had shifted dramatically after I was encouraged to explore it more within this appointment. I came out feeling as though university is in fact somewhere to be enjoyed and to have fun!
I would encourage everyone enrolling at York this year to keep Open Door in the back of their mind. After all, you never know when you might need to talk to a friendly face!
Neve
Leave a Reply