Why Do We Need Mental Health Day?
World Mental Health Day is intended to draw attention not only to crises and mental health disorders, but also to everyday wellbeing. The more we know about mental health and the challenges associated with it, the easier it is to recognise them, put them into words and respond appropriately.
Mental health is an integral part of our overall health. It affects the way we function, learn, work, build relationships and cope with everyday challenges
– says Bartosz Stępień, Head of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre.
When Should We Seek Help?
There is no single list of symptoms that indicates the exact moment when it is time to speak with a specialist. However, it is worth paying attention to changes in your wellbeing, especially if they persist over a longer period of time or begin to interfere with your daily functioning.
There is no single answer to that question, because there can be many different circumstances. These may include emotional difficulties, psychological problems and health-related issues. If we feel that something is not right, that something is wrong with our mood, that we are unable to pull ourselves out of an emotional low point, that is certainly a signal to stop and consider whether we need to talk to someone
– says Bartosz Stępień, adding:
You should seek professional help and that is truly the best possible course of action.
Are You at UniLodz? Start Here
For people associated with the University of Lodz, one of the first places to turn to is the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre.
The UniLodz Support and Accessibility Centre is the best place to start because even if we are unable to respond directly to someone’s needs, we will certainly direct them to a place where they can find support. We really are a hub with the expertise, knowledge and experience to know what to do next and how to guide a person towards the help they need
– notes the Head of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre
The Centre offers, among other services, free psychological consultations. Free psychiatric consultations are also available to University of Lodz employees, students and doctoral students. The first step is to register with the Support and Accessibility Centre and submit a request for support. The Centre can be contacted by email at cwid@uni.lodz.pl, by telephone on +48 42 665 51 65, or in person at Pomorska 152, Łódź.
Importantly, it is not necessary to know exactly what type of support you need before getting in touch.
We have staff members here who are experts in their fields. We call it emotional first aid. This is a place where you can come, explain what is happening and we will know what to do next and how to guide you further
– Stępień emphasises.
Let’s Take Care of Ourselves
World Mental Health Day may be a good reason to reflect on our own wellbeing but caring for ourselves should not end on 10 October.
Let us take care of ourselves and genuinely pay attention to what is happening to us. Not excessively, because excess is never good and not with an unhealthy focus on ourselves, but let us remain attentive and talk to people who have the appropriate expertise. It is simply worth taking care of this area of life because without good mental health, there can be no good life
– Bartosz Stępień concludes, encouraging everyone not to be afraid to seek help.
Source: Bartosz Stępień, Head of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
