Sporting minds: Netball and sharing her feelings with her friends

Our Sporting Minds mental health awareness month continues with stories from Team UOP member's. These honest and frank stories are an example of how sport and physical activity can play a part in improving mental health. We want to raise awareness for these stories and of the issues they look to challenge. These personal stories are powerful and should start up conversations between you and your friends, family and team-mates. We have also supplied a number of resources below if you are affected by this story.
Holly is a proud UOP Netball Club member and is studying for a BA in Business and Management, this is her story.
University is a great place to be when you are struggling. There are so many other students that can relate to your problems. The Wellbeing Services are great at providing advice when you are feeling down and the best part is that there are so many sports societies to unite us and build friendships. The Netball Club has been my saviour over the last two years and has introduced me to new friends. Being able to meet up and play a match with my team is a great stress reliever. A clearer mind helps us all focus on assignments when deadlines are seemingly suffocating us. My experience at uni wouldn't be the same without UPNC. Even during a lockdown, I'm still connected with my fellow committee members and team.
I think we all need to remember what makes us happy when we are feeling blue. Take a deep breath, put on a good playlist and go for a walk. It always puts a smile on my face and I hope it does for you too!"
The Wellbeing Services are great at providing advice when you are feeling down and the best part is that there are so many sports societies to unite us and build friendships.
If you need some support with your own mental health at this time, the student wellbeing service have a number of resources to help.