Today is World Mental Health Day, one of our Student Mental Health Champions has shared their thoughts

Written by Agata Balcerowiak a current Psychology BSc NTU Student

Every year on 10^th October, World Mental Health Day gives us the chance to pause, reflect, and talk openly about mental health. It is a reminder that behind every face on campus, there is a story and sharing those stories helps us to build a more compassionate community. This year, I wanted to share my own journey instead of sharing statistics or generic advice and share something more personal: my own journey with mental health.

My Experience:

My relationship with mental health began long before university. As a carer for my grandparents, who live with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. It made me learn what it means to support loved ones through difficult times. Caring for them has been a privilege, but it also brought a lot of challenges. It taught me resilience, but also the importance of recognising when I needed to take a step back and care for myself, too. I remember that I never wanted to share this with anyone as I felt like it doesn’t matter and that no one could help me, however when it was getting too much, I finally shared my story with my personal tutor who helped me set up a carer passport which has been incredibly helpful. Since then, I’ve learnt that there’s people who just want to be there for you, listen to your story and support you however they can.

For a long time, I didn’t think much about my mental health. Like many people, I pushed through stress, anxiety, and pressure, telling myself I just had to “get on with it.” But slowly, I began to notice the toll it was taking – the way constant worry made it hard to concentrate, how exhaustion crept in, and how isolating it felt when I thought nobody else could understand.

Opening up wasn’t easy. The first time I admitted out loud that I wasn’t coping, I felt exposed and unsure. But I also remember the huge relief that came with saying it – and realising that I didn’t have to manage everything alone.

What I’ve Learned

Over time, I’ve discovered that looking after my mental health isn’t about “fixing” myself, but about learning to care for myself with compassion. For me, that’s meant:

• Talking openly with friends and family, even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Giving myself permission to rest without guilt.
• Seeking professional support when I need it.
• Finding small routines – like journaling, going for walks, or creative hobbies – that ground me.

Why Awareness Matters

Sharing this is scary, but I believe stories are powerful. When we talk about mental health honestly, we chip away at the silence that makes people feel alone. World Mental Health Day isn’t just a reminder to check in with ourselves, but also to check in with each other.

If you’re struggling, please know: you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for help is not a weakness – it’s one of the bravest steps you can take.

Final Thoughts

On this Mental Health Awareness Day, I’m reminding myself (and hopefully you, too) that mental health is not something to hide or be ashamed of. It’s a part of being human. And when we share our stories, we create space for others to feel safe enough to share theirs too.

Let’s keep the conversation going – today, and every day. 💙

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus