Read Holly's story about how one incident helped her share her own feelings with others
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.
"I'd been working on the railway for less than two months before I dealt with my first suicidal passenger. I had to sink my panic and anxiety deep away and focus on the broken lady in front of me. Simply sharing a conversation saved her life. That was my realisation that life is for living. Like everyone, I've battled my own demons: uni deadlines, work stress, and heartache. Whenever I am in a dark place, I think back to that lady and how we changed each other's lives. Now, I talk to my friends about how I am feeling rather than suffer alone in silence. A problem shared is truly a problem halved.
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.