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We caught up with ACM’s Group Lead on Student Experience, Cornelia Okello, to learn more about International Stress Awareness Week. We touched on coping strategies, discussed this week’s Anxiety Management Campaign, and other necessary resources ACM has in place to help students deal with mental health issues. Also, check out ACM Tutor Kaya Herstad-Carney’s video on breathing techniques to help ease anxiety!
What is International Stress Awareness Week?
International Stress Awareness Week was originally created in 2018 to raise awareness about stress prevention. This is now an annual event that focusses primarily on stress management.
Do you have any tips to help combat stress and anxiety?
Mindfulness: Mindfulness encourages you to be focused in the present moment and what’s real. Take some deep breaths and slowly find five things you can see around you, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, one thing you can taste.
Gratitude: It’s really humbling just how much taking a moment to be grateful for something each day can change your whole outlook and mood. It does not have to be a huge thing, but find one thing that you’re grateful for. The more you do that, the more joy and peace you’ll find each day.
Time Management: Feeling in control of your time can motivate you to complete tasks and help you focus on immediate issues rather than worrying about potential future events. Find an app that works for you, or go retro and buy a lovely planner and sparky pen!
Tell us more about the Anxiety Management Campaign running this week?
The Anxiety Management Campaign is all about recognising that anxiety is an issue for so many of us and looking at the tools that are available to help us respond to it. ACM Students will be invited to join a study course run by Togetherall focused on Stress and Worry that gives us really practical ways to manage anxiety. The course is broken up into bite-size chunks taking just 15-20 mins to complete each day.
There will also be peer support sessions throughout the week, facilitated by our wellbeing teams, where students will be able to talk about different aspects of the course and exchange ideas on managing anxiety (check out our schedule below!).
In addition, keep your eyes peeled on our socials for handy tips on healthy living & mindfulness on our social media throughout the week.
What resources are available to ACM students to help deal with mental health issues?
There are so many resources available to ACM students to improve mental health. The best place to start is with the Canvas Student Services Module. Head to the “ACM Student Services” section and you will find a range of helpful information.
Another great resource is togetherall.com (formerly Big White Wall). This is an anonymous mental health service available 24/7 and free for all ACM students and staff. You can take support courses, self-assessment tests, connect with others through anonymous message boards with trained professionals available 24/7 to keep the community safe.
Student Space is another great service supporting students’ mental health. You can get in touch with trained volunteers 24hrs via text or email and between 4pm – 11pm by phone or webchat. Head to studentspace.org for more information.
Also, never forget that your GP surgery is still the best place to start if you are struggling with your mental health.
How can students get in touch with student services? And where can students learn more?
Student services support is available on your campus and also through studentstupport@acm.ac.uk. To learn more about what will be taking place during the week, keep an eye on your emails!
Student Drop-in Sessions
Tuesday 3rd November: “Managing Stress & Anxiety with a Healthy Lifestyle”
- Guildford Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Alice Leonard) – JOIN HERE
- London Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Tayla Lowe) – JOIN HERE
- Birmingham Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Cornelia Okello) – JOIN HERE
Wednesday 4th November: “Managing Stress & Anxiety with a Schedule”
- Guildford Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Alice Leonard) – JOIN HERE
- London Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Tayla lowe) – JOIN HERE
- Birmingham Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Cornelia Okello) – JOIN HERE
Friday 6th November: “Managing Stress & Anxiety with Problem Solving”
- Guildford Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Alice Leonard) – JOIN HERE
- London Campus: 13:00 – 13:50 (Tayla Lowe) – JOIN HERE
- Birmingham Campus 13:00 – 13:50 (Cornelia Okello) – JOIN HERE
Finally, tune in to our Instagram Live session (@acm_uk) this Friday from 4PM on “Reducing Stress as a Creative”, and visit our website to find out more information on ACM’s award-winning student services team!
Digital Open Days
If you dream of achieving success in the creative industries, join us for our new Digital Open Day Experience. With new dates in November and December, we can’t wait to welcome you into the ACM community.
