Mental Health Awareness Event Brings “Be Kind to Your Mind” Message to Student Life at Westville Campus

BY: .

On 18 October 2024, the UKZN Westville Campus Quad became a vibrant hub for the Mental Health Awareness Day event, organised by the College of Law and Management Studies Student Support Services (SSS) team.

Themed: “Let’s Prioritise Our Mental Well-being and Be Kind to Our Mind”, the initiative aimed to address student mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month and the upcoming exam period. It encouraged students to step away from their routines to focus on nurturing their mental health and well-being.

The engaging setup featured games, interactive quizzes, and invigorating aerobics, providing students with a much-needed break from their studies. Participants embraced the emphasis on “being present” and letting go of exam-related worries, relishing the chance to unwind in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The SSS team crafted each activity to foster mind-body engagement, creating an atmosphere of shared, joyful experiences. Research indicates that participation in games and physical activities significantly benefits mental health, supporting overall well-being and effective stress management. Furthermore, studies show a direct link between student mental health and academic success, highlighting the importance of initiatives that promote wellness.

Students from different Colleges joined the event, eager to engage with diverse activities. The SSS team incorporated indigenous games, such as rope skipping (ingqathu) and ushumpu (a childhood game, similar to dodgeball, in which players use a makeshift ball made of tightly-wrapped plastic bags to try to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves) to evoke positive childhood memories and encourage physical activity. A paper-blowing game illustrated the benefits of breathing exercises, allowing students to experience mental health benefits first-hand.

Many reported feeling relaxed, anticipating better sleep after their participation. All participants received prizes and gifts, including bags with stationery and mental wellness resources, reinforcing the University's commitment to holistic student development.

A significant aspect of the day involved students writing motivational messages on a communal board, fostering a sense of positivity and resilience. This inspiring display served as a reminder of the importance of well-being as they approached exams.

The success of this event highlights the ongoing dedication of Student Support Services to providing meaningful, culturally sensitive, evidence-based experiences that help students prioritise mental health and thrive academically and personally.

Words: Ishara Maharaj

Photographs: Supplied