Mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for university students when dealing with academic pressure and external stresses. Apart from receiving mental health support from Parami University, students now have a space to get peer-to-peer mental support created by a student-led EvloveMinds club.
According to EvolveMinds Club, a university is a time when young people are navigating many changes and transitions, so having access to mental health support can positively impact their well-being and their ability to succeed academically and personally. Students at Parami 12 student-led clubs, including the EvolveMinds club, have organized several projects to pursue their passions and positively impact their communities. The club’s goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide a comfortable space where students can talk openly about their mental health issues and get support.
“I'm proud of all our activities because my team puts in a lot of effort, from promoting the events beforehand to facilitating them and reflecting on them afterward. If I had to pick one, I'd say the last webinar we did with a counselor from Citta Consulting about crisis and psychological safety was impactful,” added Pone Nyet Aung, the President of EvolveMinds Club.
The inspiration for the founding of the club stems from the president of the club, Pone Nyet’s personal experience with mental health issues affected by the unrest crisis in the country.
Pone Nyet explained, “Mental health issues are critical, especially for university students like us. During my first year of college, I grappled with significant mental health issues, which were further exacerbated by the unique circumstances in my country of Myanmar, including civil unrest, economic instability, and the challenges of learning at an online university. These external factors, in addition to academic workloads, created a perfect storm for mental health struggles. However, a turning point in my journey occurred when I formed close bonds with friends in my classes. We started opening up about our mental health challenges, creating a safe space to share our feelings and experiences.”
These conversations not only provided a sense of relief but also delivered much-needed support. The power of peer understanding and empathy became evident. This inspiration led me to establish a new student-led club within our university, driven by the conviction that mental health support and awareness are essential, especially when facing complex real-world issues. The team wanted to create a space where they could openly talk about our mental health and get the support they needed.
Also, the club members believe that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, especially when times are hard. It's not just about facing these issues; it's about recognizing that we all need support for our mental well-being. Things can get tough with all the stress and struggles they face, along with external factors like economic issues or conflicts. That's why mental health support is so crucial for university students.
Whether it's support from peers who understand what they're going through or help from professionals, having that support system can make a huge difference in managing stress and overcoming challenges. — EvolveMinds Club
They also shared advice for university students and young people struggling mentally and emotionally.
Knowing that you're not alone is essential. Many of us go through tough times, and asking for help is okay.
Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or even professionals if you need support. Remember to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and enjoying activities.
Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like exercising, meditating, or practicing mindfulness, is also helpful.
And also, know that it's okay not to be OK sometimes.
Be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time. You've got this!
You can visit their website here to learn more about highlighted projects and members of EvolveMinds Club.
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