EastBio Mental Health First Aid group

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"I chose to become a Mental Health First Aider because I believe mental well-being is just as important as physical health. I wanted to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to recognize signs of distress, provide support, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. With this in mind, I hope to make a small difference in my personal and professional settings, contributing to a more compassion and supportive environment."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"I have a small notebook where I write my to-do for the day and in it I always have three "quests" - Work, Health and Relationship related quest. I try to do all three every day no matter how big or small they are. If I get more done then that's great, if I don't then at least I've prioritized my work, my health and my relationships. These quests can even be small like send an email (work), stretch for 15 mins (health), message my friend back (relationship). "

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"I like flipping through A Toolkit for Modern Life by Dr Emma Hepburn. Lots of great exercises for different types of situations. For a free resource, I like this self-kindness toolkit."

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"Any questions, tips or resources related emotional, psychological, social, behavioural, occupational and physical health... or just a chat! :)"

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"Mental Health and wellbeing makes such a difference to someone's life. It is tough to watch people going through a difficult time without feeling like you can do anything to help. Completing the Mental Health First Aider course helped with my awareness of more aspects of mental health and what resources are available, and gave me confidence in being able to start an appropriate conversation so I can hopefully support my community (both at and outside of university) in a better way."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"Support each other! Make time for regular lunch/coffee with friends. Doing a PhD can feel isolating at times so having time to chat honestly with others, and not just seeing their polished presentation of work at a conference, can help you to realise you are not alone in facing certain challenges, and it can help you to find a way forward. "

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"For Edinburgh and St Andrews university students, you have free access to SilverCloud, through which you can try a range of self-help online programmes on different topics based around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You can take a quick Wellbeing questionnaire and get suggestions on suitable programmes, with 16 available focussing on topics such as anxiety, stress, sleep, OCD, positive body image, depression, resilience, alcohol and more. Find the link on these webpages: Wellbeing and Anxiety 

For students at other institutes, Aberdeen university has a great list of self-help guides on their website which anyone can access."

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"anything, no matter how big or small the problem! It doesn't even need to be mental health related. I may not have the answers but I can listen non-judgmentally and help you to work out how to move forward, or signpost you towards someone who can help."

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"I have had friends in the past struggling heavily with mental health issues, and I would like to be prepared how to help those in need when the next crisis arises. I have also myself experienced a lot of kindness from people around me, and I would like to pass this kindness on."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in stress and feel like there’s never time for a break, but that only leaves us feeling more overwhelmed. My suggestion is to take that much-needed pause. Stepping out into nature, whether for a walk or simply to sit and observe the life around you, can make all the difference. Try leaving your phone and other distractions behind, and let yourself be fully present in the moment. This quiet time in nature can really help calm your mind, reduce stress, and bring a sense of balance and peace."

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"Nightline is a confidential, student-run listening service that offers emotional support and information to students during the night, when other services may be unavailable. It’s a useful mental well-being resource because it provides a safe space to talk about any concerns or stresses without judgment. Trained volunteers are there to listen and help students feel heard, which can be a huge relief in times of stress or loneliness.

For more information and to find your local Nightline, visit: https://www.nightline.ac.uk/"

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"absolutely anything."

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"I have lived with mental health conditions and have experienced prejudice and misunderstanding as a result previously, and have experienced loss from mental health in many corners of my relationships. The experience I have lived, and seen in others motivates me to help others in need and to provide an initial point of care that is unbiased, open, and kind."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"Keep your network open, and don't be afraid to reach out. Help is always closer than you think, and there is no shame in needing someone to talk to or reaching out for support when you need it."

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"Student-specific mental health and wellbeing guidance from Mind, but Mind has a library of excellent resources."

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"Mental health support, signposting, stress, abuse, or discrimination. I have led the student EDI committee for 2 years and have experience assisting with discrimination, and I have been trained as a crisis support volunteer with R*pe Crisis Grampian. I will be unbiased and open, listen to your concerns, and help however possible. "

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"I became a mental health first aider with the hope of building a supportive community where everyone feels safe to share how they truly feel (yes, it’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s true!).

Being a neurodivergent student living in grey Aberdeen, I am no stranger to fluctuating mental health. Studying towards a PhD and navigating any student support can be incredibly isolating and it is only exacerbated during the winter months.

In this role, I hope to encourage open conversations and foster an environment where seeking help (no matter how big or small) is seen as a normal part of the day."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"One thing that always helps me is moving my body. Even the smallest movements (like stretching whilst lying in bed) help me bring more awareness to my body and the present moment, which is one step towards having a better day. "

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"On days when even the smallest movements feel like too much, I like to do a body scan - a form of mindfulness where the goal is to try to bring awareness to the feelings and sensations in your body. It's one of the few forms of mindfulness/meditation that I can (somewhat) pay attention to.

I've tried it on Balance App, but here's a little taster from Balance on youtube.

However, a lot of times these everyday tips will not be enough - please reach out to your friends/family, mental health first aiders, your institution's student support, your GP, or contact mental health lines like the Samaritans. No struggle is too small or too big to be heard."

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"navigating student support! I am also happy to chat about anything else that's on your mind. "

What has attracted you to becoming a Mental Health First Aider?

"When I moved to the UK, I experienced many changes and felt overwhelmed. Then, a fantastic Mental Health First Aider from my previous job offered me a gentle, nonjudgmental, and totally supportive space. He guided me to find the support I needed and was always there to talk with a good cup of coffee. I want to be as supportive of someone else as he was for me. Because of this, I became a Mental Health First Aider."

What is your best wellbeing tip?

"I recommend having notes on your cellphone explaining what to do when struggling. It is easy to forget what makes you feel better or where to go if you are feeling down. However, having a manual to follow releases the pressure of what to do to take care of yourself. You can add as much detail as you need. For instance, a place to go, the type of beverage you like, the music that calms you, or the food that comforts you. If you think about it, this can be used for different situations, so you can create as many lists as you need to return to those memories and places that make you feel safe and sound."

Name one resource about wellbeing or mental health support that you would recommend.

"Samaritans. They are a charity organisation that offers listening and support to people and communities in times of need. They can be contacted day or night for FREE by call at 116 123 or by email jo@samaritans.org. If you need someone to talk, they offer training volunteers to talk to. It is important to mentioned that they do not judge or suggested what to do, but they are ready to help if you are struggling."

Contact me if you want to ask about...

"Contact me if you want to ask about anything. I am happy to help you find the mental health support you need, answer any questions about the university, or tell you where Edinburgh's best tea is! I may have some answers, but I will do my best to help you find what you need."