Social Work students speak up on mental health

As a Social Work student in her third year of study, Clare Mafi understands how important it is to look after her own – and other people’s – mental health, especially during stressful times of the year.

“As part of the course material, we discuss stressors and coping strategies within our social work practice as well as self-care to ensure that we look after our mental health and wellbeing,” Clare says.

Clare has seen how mental health issues among students often derive from stress. Whether you are new and unfamiliar with your surroundings and what’s expected of you, struggling to balance your personal life with your academic life, or are worried about another person who is going through a difficult time in their life – everyone experiences stress, although at different levels, Clare explains.

“Sometimes moderate stress can be a good thing. For example, when you have deadlines to meet, you feel stressed, but this can enable you to dig deep to perform and meet expectations.”

However, when students are under extreme stress, Clare says it’s important for them to be aware that there are many strategies to help them cope, and people who can help them. These may include personal relationships, a study group, a cohort, lecturers and support services on campus.

“At the Faculty of Education and Social Work, we are very fortunate to have the Pasifika Success space, which is a very inclusive space for all students," says Clare, who is originally from Tonga.

"It’s a place where we can feel relaxed and talk to anyone about anything. We’re encouraged to feel at home, we can eat, listen to music, collaborate and share ideas. We can also get support from Pasifika Success staff who have an open-door policy and can advocate for students if needed."

For many students, including Pacific students like her, it can be difficult to tell someone that they need help, Clare observes. For example, a student was extremely worried that they were unable to meet a deadline. They were not aware the University has provisions and guidelines for extending an assignment due date.

“You wouldn’t know about if you don’t ask. So you shouldn’t be shy to access help from staff or your lecturers,” Clare says.

Clare also advises students to join interest groups that appeal to them. The Education and Social Work Student Association (ESSA) is a great resource open to all students, which organises a range of activities to help with reducing stress and promoting mental health. Clare’s social work cohort also maintains a Facebook page, which is “like a family”. Even after some students have left the University, they still contribute to the conversations.

“We remind each other of the different resources to help with stressors at certain times of the year.”

Clare says it’s also important to be aware of what’s going on with others around you. If you know that a friend or colleague is under stress, or see a noticeable change in their behaviour, just asking them how they’re doing or offering a word of encouragement can go a long way.

“This is particularly relevant to Social Work students like us because this is part of what we do,” Clare says.

Fellow third-year Social Work student Kiky Eng welcomes the advent of Mental Health Awareness Week. “Awareness of mental health is important, so the week is a good thing. Many students keep struggling and see their symptoms, but they don’t realise they have a problem. They need support to learn to relax or to help them cope.”

Kiky, who has chosen mental health as her area of focus in her degree, thinks many students feel overwhelmed at this time of year. “We are so stressed with our assignments. Everyone’s working on their assignments and not going to class because it’s too stressful. More than half the class is missing.”

Kiky is keen to emphasise that students under pressure should find someone to talk to. “Talk to peers. It really helps. Students should pick someone who might understand their situation. Everyone is going through the same things so they understand your feelings and why you are struggling.”

Kiky has been the 2018 Treasurer for ESSA and is proud of work the association did organising Stressless Week. “The President, Holly Preece-Honeysett, did a great job. Student events like this are an opportunity to take time to relax and then go back to your study.”   

Kiky is now a New Zealand citizen, but she comes from an international perspective – ten years ago she emigrated from Hong Kong to New Zealand. She believes that the ways students approach mental health depend on their culture.

“In Asian culture, we don’t want our family to worry about us, so usually we talk to our friends rather than our family members. We understand each other more than our parents do because our expectations are different from our parents’ expectations. They want us to get a really good job but also get excellent grades. We, on the another hand, just want to complete our degree and graduate.”

When she finishes her studies, Kiky would like to work with people who are vulnerable. “In my country, it is difficult to find employment that pays a decent wage for weekly outgoings, like rent and food. For those who live under the average income it can be very stressful to meet the weekly needs for themselves and their family.

“I like helping clients to be independent – supporting them to improve their daily lives so they can deal with mental health issues. I would like to support people to extend their social networks and take part in activities in their communities.”