<p dir="ltr">So many people deal with mental health problems, which affect <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one in four people in their lifetimes</a>. To give you some hope, mental health issues can and are successfully alleviated over time with habitual and lifestyle changes, medication and/or treatments. Speaking as someone who has dealt with mental health issues basically my whole adult life, I promise you, I get it.</p> <p dir="ltr">It can be a very lonely place and your brain may start to tell you that no-one cares or no-one would want to help but I’m telling you now, your brain’s a liar! Reaching out to friends, family, your cohort or staff will help, a problem shared is a problem halved after all. No-one’s got it all figured out, we’re all just winging it, so it’s okay to be vulnerable with the right people, they’ll help break your fall as you deal with some tough stuff. It’s okay to not be okay. Tell someone.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">I know, I know, I can hear the collective groan from here, everyone suggests exercise as a combatant to mental health issues, but in my experience, it’s bang on. Since I started sea swimming (Plymouth is literally COVERED in great wild swimming spots), walking regularly and hitting the gym at least once a week, I’ve noticed such a change to my energy levels and mood.</p> <p dir="ltr">I’m not saying you should start chugging back the protein shakes and start listening to Joe Rogan’s podcast, but a little movement goes a really long way. Baby steps to start, have a walk around the block, do a 10 minute workout from a YouTube video or brave a dip in the sea for 5 minutes; your body will thank you. Make it manageable and make sure you reward yourself afterwards, you’ll definitely want to do it again!<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Again, it feels silly to talk about breathing when it can feel like you’re drowning under the weight of your mental health issues, but breathwork really can help in the here and now. For example, if you deal with anxiety or panic, gaining control over your breathing can be the difference between a full blown attack and a close call. The best advice I ever got for slowing down and stopping a panic attack was engaging my senses and controlling my breath. It’s this simple: If you feel the beginnings of panic, focus on your breathing. Fill your belly with breath, breathing in for four seconds, then hold on that in breath for two seconds, followed by exhaling slowly for six seconds.</p> <p dir="ltr">I find that this method forces me to focus on my breathing and takes my attention away from what’s panicking me, slowing down the attack. Mindfulness, CBT and lots of other therapies for mental health incorporates breathing to challenge the fight or flight response your body goes through when it feels threatened or scared. If you’d like to know more about breathwork, you can find lots of helpful guided meditation and breathwork resources on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChSpME3QaSFAWK8Hpmg-Dyw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">I know it can be daunting at first, the thought of socialising when you’re feeling low, but meeting new people and connecting with others is a great way to get out of your own head. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/student-life/students-union">The Students’ Union</a> (PCA:SU) at the college is a great place to start with chilled out socials to get you socialising again.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turn up with a sketchbook and pens to a Drink &amp; Draw, check out the list of clubs and societies to see if there’s anything you’re into, or take the plunge and try something new like surfing or rock climbing to break the ice. PCA:SU President and Manager Harriet and Paige are also certified mental health first aiders, so don’t be afraid to approach them if you’re having an emergency. <br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The Student Support team at the college are an excellent bunch, with a whole lot of resources for you to make use of. Unlike a lot of universities, there are no 12-week waiting lists for one-to-one counselling at Plymouth College of Art. If you book an appointment, you can expect to see someone in a reasonable amount of time. The team also offers holistic mental health practices, from acupressure and ear acupuncture, wellbeing walks, talks and workshops on everything from stress and anxiety management to boosting low confidence and self esteem. <a href="https://sites.google.com/pca.ac.uk/studentsupp/home">Book through the Student Support homepage</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pcacounselling/">keep up to date with what’s on offer on their Instagram page.</a></p> <p dir="ltr">I hope you were able to get something out of the above tips, it can be a lonely place dealing with mental health, but I promise that there is hope. Please don’t feel alone, there are also many phone lines, charities and listening services available, which I’ve listed below, that can help you through any crisis, so don’t be afraid to get in touch with them too. Be safe, make good choices and know that you got this!<br /></p>