Passionate mental health campaigner and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student nurse Molly Kiltie says it is important to ‘rest, recharge and reach out’ as the nation is locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the Mental Health Foundation marks Mental Health Awareness Week, Molly, who writes her own wellbeing blog called The Pint Sized Student Nurse, has put together thoughts on how we can look after ourselves and each other.
Molly, a third year studying Mental Health Nursing at DMU, said: “If I were to pass on any advice based on my experiences in mental health nursing, I would say allow yourself to feel your emotions.
“It’s a stressful time for everyone and even though you may believe that you aren’t stressed, you may show signs in other ways.
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“Allow yourself to rest, recharge and reach out to someone, like a family member or friend, if you find yourself struggling.
“It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. But remember, this is only temporary.
“I started studying at DMU because I wanted to be able to help people that are, in some cases, at the lowest point in their lives. Mental health is just as important as physical health and I think being able to give someone the skills and tools to change their lives is so empowering to them.
“I worked in mental health for a couple of years before starting on the DMU course, but since being on the course I now have a better understanding of mental health conditions, and how I can use my knowledge to help others. Don’t get me wrong. The course is a difficult one, but I could honestly not see myself doing anything else!”
Molly, originally from Caerphilly in South Wales, is working shifts on Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s mental health wards and loves the team work involved.
She said: “I have found that ultimately we are all one team. We all have the same goals which is to give our patients the best possible care and to make sure that they are safe. I think regardless of what role you have within the NHS you do whatever you can to keep everyone safe.”
The student nurse, who relaxes away from the pressures of work by cooking, exercising and practising meditation and yoga, cannot stress enough the importance of good mental health.
She said: “Mental health awareness is so important. I believe that, even if you are physically well, if you are neglecting your mental wellbeing then overall you are not healthy.
“Mental and physical health go hand in hand with each other and I think we all need to encourage people to reach out and talk about it.”
You can read Molly’s latest blog on the taboos of mental illness by visiting Pint Sized Student Nurse
For more information about mental health support in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland visit www.leicspart.nhs.uk
If you want further information about Mental Health Awareness Week visit the website here.
Posted on Thursday 21 May 2020