What is mental well-being?
Mental health does not simply mean the absence of illness or disorder. According to the definition adopted by the Ministry of Health, it encompasses a person’s physical, mental and social well-being, as well as the ability to develop and achieve self-fulfilment. At the same time, it is individual and depends, among other things, on living conditions and cultural context. Mental well-being can therefore be understood as a state in which a person has the resources needed for everyday functioning, is able to study and work, maintain relationships, rest, make decisions and cope with difficulties they encounter. It should be noted, however, that this does not mean being in a good mood all the time, as sadness after a setback, stress before an exam or temporary fatigue are a natural part of life.
How can we take care of our mental well-being?
There is therefore no single set of preventive measures that will work equally well for everyone. There are, however, areas that help build our resilience, including sleep, physical activity, nutrition and rest. A regular daily routine supports concentration, memory and emotional regulation. Physical activity, in turn, can help reduce tension. Regular, balanced meals help provide the body with the nutrients necessary for proper functioning, while taking some time for yourself helps reduce overload and restore energy. Relationships with loved ones, a sense of belonging to a group and being able to tell someone about the problems we are facing are equally important. When taking care of yourself, it is also worth paying attention to warning signs. If you have been experiencing sleep problems, intense anxiety, a sense of helplessness, social withdrawal or loss of interest for a prolonged period, and your everyday functioning is beginning to deteriorate, do not wait for the problem to go away on its own.
What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis can be described as the body’s response to a difficult event or an accumulation of events that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope in everyday life. In the student environment, it may be linked both to personal circumstances and to prolonged overload, setbacks in studies or financial difficulties. Warning signs may include panic attacks, sudden changes in behaviour, physical symptoms, problems with sleep, concentration and decision-making, as well as decreased motivation to study, absence from classes, accumulating backlogs and poorer academic performance. In such a situation, you should contact a specialist, as a worsening and prolonged mental health crisis can lead to serious health problems.
Can I get support at my university, and what can it look like?
A university’s social responsibility includes creating study conditions that are as safe and accessible as possible and responding to the needs of its community. Supporting students’ mental well-being also features in the quality assurance standards of the Polish Accreditation Committee. There is, however, no single universally applicable model, as universities have different capacities and resources. Measures may therefore include:
- psychological consultations or short-term individual support;
- crisis intervention;
- creating support groups;
- workshops and psychoeducational activities;
- referrals to external specialists or healthcare facilities;
- using arrangements provided for under university regulations, e.g. individual study arrangements or a leave of absence, as well as changes to the dates or forms of assessment.
More detailed information can usually be found on university websites, especially in sections on student affairs, psychological support, accessibility or support for people with specific needs. The dean’s office, student government or various support centres operating under different names may also be helpful.
Support through the “Strefa Komfortu PSRP” project
Help can also be sought outside your own university. One initiative available to all students in Poland is the “Strefa Komfortu PSRP” project implemented by the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland. It provides free online consultations delivered by psychotherapists from the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Clinic at SWPS University. The first conversation is intended to discuss the problem and provide information about possible forms of further support, including psychotherapy. In addition, the project’s website offers useful educational materials, webinars, podcasts and a map of university-based and nationwide psychological support centres.
Author: Szymon Łakomy