Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) has urged students to speak openly about their struggles and to seek help without fear of judgement. The university also called for greater awareness of mental health and suicide prevention among young people.
The call was made at a mental health awareness event organised by the university’s Department of Student Affairs under the theme ‘Let’s Talk, Let’s Heal, Let’s Grow’.
The event aimed to break the stigma around mental health, encourage people to seek help and create a supportive space where students can discuss their challenges and find assistance.
It brought together students, university staff, health experts and mental health advocates. They discussed issues affecting young people, including depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, substance-use disorders, LGBTQI+ challenges, stigma, recovery and available support services.
LUCT Registrar ‘Mateboho Moorosi said mental health awareness is important in academic institutions. She noted that emotional and psychological well-being plays a major role in students’ academic performance and personal development. She said students face many pressures that can affect their mental health, so they need understanding, guidance and support from those around them.
Moorosi also stressed that lecturers have a responsibility to notice when students may be struggling and to help them find appropriate support.
Student Services Assistant Tefo Mosala, speaking on behalf of the Student Services Department (SSD), said mental health needs attention from both educational institutions and society. He said mental health challenges affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and he called for greater understanding and support for those facing difficulties.
“We want to make everyone aware that mental health issues do not affect adults only; they affect everyone, including children. Therefore, we want to make sure that we understand people, help them cope and support them in managing their problems,” Mosala said.
Mental health advocates also shared personal stories of struggling with their well-being. They encouraged students to admit when they need help and to reach out to people they trust, rather than suffer in silence.
One of the speakers, Tebello Machaba of Unlocking Love, led an interactive session. It encouraged students to reflect on their mental well-being and identify the challenges affecting their lives. She urged students to put their well-being first and to ask for help when they need it.
“Take care of yourselves, be selfish, always think about yourself, not other people. Seek help if needed,” she advised.
The discussions gave students a chance to share their experiences and learn from others. They also showed that mental health challenges should not be a source of shame.
Student Tšeliso Khama said the event was more than an ordinary day because it dealt with an issue that matters deeply to young people. He thanked the organisers for the chance to hear other people’s experiences. He said their stories offered reassurance to students facing similar difficulties.
LUCT Director of Academics Dr Lelingoana Lerotholi closed the event on behalf of the institution. He thanked the participants and everyone who contributed. He said the discussions provided valuable information that attendees could use in their daily lives and share with their families and communities.
“A good thing is that we have heard this information from the experts who are also the victims. Therefore, we are taking home important information that we will share with our children,” he said.
The event coincided with World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health challenges and promote access to care and support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) chose the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”. It stresses the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health challenges and including their views in mental health policies and services.
The American Psychiatric Association Foundation also stressed the importance of psychological well-being with its message that “There is no health without mental health.”
The LUCT event showed the need for universities to offer supportive environments where students can discuss their struggles and get guidance without fear of discrimination or judgement. It also showed that mental well-being is an essential part of student support, academic success and personal development.
Summary
- The event aimed to break the stigma around mental health, encourage people to seek help and create a supportive space where students can discuss their challenges and find assistance.
- He said mental health challenges affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and he called for greater understanding and support for those facing difficulties.
- It stresses the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health challenges and including their views in mental health policies and services.
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