Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 - Feedback from participants

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 (MHAW) took place from 15 to 19 May. The theme chosen by Mental Health Foundation for this year was "anxiety".
A whole week of events, initiatives and resources dedicated to staff and students to support their health and wellbeing. The programme was co-organised by People and Organisational Development and colleagues, academics, and researchers across the College.

Feedback from participants

• Panel Discussion: The Impact of Anxiety in Society:
  What I found useful were the different perspectives from the panel members and advice on managing and dealing with anxiety disorders. The importance of social interactions/connections.
• Overcome and avoid feelings of overwhelm:
  It normalised the need for different coping strategies, named some of them and demonstrated their value.
  The various techniques to try and break that point when overwhelm happens. Remembering the opportunity cost model - that saying yes to something means you are saying no to something else. What is important?
• Overcoming the imposter syndrome:
  Understanding imposter syndrome, reflection and talking about my experiences with others
• Collaborating for good mental health using Lego®SeriousPlay®:
  Breaking from the everyday work stress and thinking differently. Lego helped me identify answers to questions I didn't immediately have an answer to or know how to express.
• Breathing and grounding to relieve anxiety:
  The breathing exercise was really helpful, and I will definitely use it. I will practice it during my lunch break for as much time as possible. 'Find your breath' I will keep this in mind.
• Introduction to Mental Health at Work:
  Remembering that it is normal to encounter stress, that this is healthy in low doses and can build resilience.
  It helped put some things back into perspective, that my stress at work does not define me forever and will pass. How I take care of myself can impact how I deal with this stress.
• Sip & Paint:
  It was a great class and reminded me that it is okay to not always be in control. I was initially nervous and frustrated but could enjoy the class once I let go of my expectations and 'perfections'.
  
  

  The event was a huge success, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The facilitators were lovely, kind and helpful, making the whole process fun and enjoyable. It was a really relaxed and calming session.