Hi, my name is Maria, I am twenty-one years old and I’m a second year Music Education student here at the University of Aberdeen.
I am no stranger to my own mental health struggles. I left school abruptly at seventeen because of the pandemic and took a year out, which turned into two, came to Aberdeen in 2022 and ended up repeating first year.
When I started up here, I was 200 miles from home but I felt a whole world away. I isolated myself from flat mates, didn’t go to any classes and found myself in quite a dark place. I didn’t feel like I could tell my family so I lied and pretended everything was ok. It’s only when I realised I would need to repeat a year that I told them.
Over the summer I started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and when I started back I began the process for Disability Support Allowance support. This involved talking to the Student Support team (who have been lovely every time I’ve spoken to them). I started feeling more confident telling people, instead of feeling ashamed for repeating a year and dealing with anxiety, I feel confident and happy that I chose to come back. The support from my tutors and lecturers has been amazing, they really are there to help you. I know it’s hard to remember but they are real people too.
Don’t get me wrong, I still struggle. But I know more about the support available to me and prioritise my mental health more. Because I know I can’t submit good work and be a good friend if I don’t feel my best. I am not expecting to change the world, but I hope sharing my experience will remove some stigma surrounding mental health and help other people feel more confident to reach out and get the support that they need.
Support Services
If you need support at any point, please get in touch with University Support Services.
Become a content creator
Got an idea for some content of your own? Join our team of volunteer content creators!
