MTU and HSE promote student mental health
Pictured at the official l launch of this mental health student literacy campaign l-r are Kelda Mc Manus, VP Welfare, Student’s Union , Norma Deasy, HSE Campaigns Manager, Michael Hennessy, HSE Service Improvement Lead Mental Health, Prof Maggie Cusack, President of Munster Technological University, Thomas Broderick, Lecturer, Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies Department, Dr Honor Carroll, MTU Head of Student Counselling, Keith Brown, MTU Digital Officer and Michael Loftus, MTU Vice President for External Affairs. Photography By Gerard McCarthy.
Munster Technological University (MTU), its Students Union and the HSE are collaborating on a campaign to raise awareness of common mental health difficulties among its student population.
HSE research found that one in two adults had experienced a mental health issue.
Young people can experience ongoing stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep difficulties and may accept them as part of normal lives.
The HSE research found that young people between the ages of 18 and 24 were more likely than all other ages to search for help online and from text services.
Mark Smyth, HSE Senior Clinical Psychologist, said:
“I’d encourage students to share their feelings with family and friends, knowing that mental health affects us all. For those who are not ready to talk to someone else, the online supports such as mindfulness, CBT or a stress control programme may suit some students.” The HSE’s research also found that many people reported that sleep is key for maintaining positive mental health and equally that problems with sleep contribute to poor mental health.
Mark Smyth advises students to keep an eye on their sleeping pattern to give their body and mind a chance to rest for the following day, as well as a relatively healthy diet and dedicate some time to exercise.
MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, said:
Head of Student Counselling for MTU Cork, Dr Honor Carroll, said:
“Along with the HSE’s yourmentalhealth.ie we have mental health and other support services for Cork and Kerry including our online peer support platform, digital mental health programmes, and the text ‘MTU’ to 50808 service, all of which are free and accessible to all MTU students and staff 24/7.”
Derek Chambers, HSE general manager, Mental Health Operations added:
“Websites, texting services and social media from the HSE and other trusted mental health organisations are also popular among young people and the information on yourmentalhealth.ie responds to that need.”
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