Three lockdowns ago, I ordered myself a very bougie gym set. I mean, the sports bra alone was enough to turn people’s heads when I ventured out onto my daily run, but combined with the silky, yet supportive leggings…GAME CHANGER.
However, now that it’s almost approaching one year since we were put into the first lockdown and absolutely nothing has changed apart from an increase in my workload, and the fact that I haven’t seen some of my loved ones since Christmas 2019, I can say with confidence that said gym set has not been outside since May 2020. Instead of waking up “early” and reaching for my trainers, I now reach for my phone and spend the entire morning (sometimes the afternoon too) on TikTok. But, that’s okay.
Every lockdown has been difficult. Students are either stressed about their degree grades, financial situations, or generally feeling super lonely. If you are struggling then I want to draw your attention to some of the support programmes both at York and in general, to hopefully bring you a little bit of relief.
During 2019 “63% of students stated that financial struggles affected their mental health”. With the current climate, students have either found themselves paying for a house they are not living in or struggling to afford other necessities because they are attempting to survive off the bare minimum.
In previous years, YUSU have made a difference in easing some of students’ anxieties. Especially surrounding money. In 2019 #RentRant was launched in an attempt to lower the cost-of-living conditions in York. In 2020 the University also stated that students living on campus didn’t have to pay their third term rent, due to us being in a lockdown. So, hopefully we can all keep our fingers crossed that this message reaches York’s private landlords for second and third year students.
Whilst helping with finances YUSU also tend to work alongside Student Minds, making sure students are aware of the various options available to help support their mental state. Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity, who work alongside professionals and academics to develop new ways of helping students’ mental health. They train both students and staff across universities in the UK to deliver student-led peer support programmes and research-driven campaigns and workshops.
Although YUSU have been making a difference, I would also like to draw your attention to some of York’s mental health support programmes. The Open Door team are a group of professionals who provide a safe and warm environment for students to discuss their anxieties. College tutors are also allocated to freshers when they move to York to help them settle in. Nightline is a number that students can call at any time to discuss how they’re feeling. The Student Support and Advice situated at the Student Hub is also available and if you feel as though you’d rather speak to a doctor, York have two GP practises located on Campus East and Fulford.
So please, I urge you to contact any one of York’s mental health support services if you are really struggling with the current situation. Whilst it is ok to abandon exercise plans and gym sets that got you through the first lockdown, it is also ok to talk to somebody about how you are feeling.