Each year, Mental Health Awareness Week invites us to reflect on how we support our own wellbeing and how we support others. This year’s theme of “Action” focuses on moving beyond awareness to practical, tangible steps for better mental health.

Consider actions to support mental health in these categories:

• Action for Yourself: Taking small daily steps to improve personal mental wellbeing
• Action for Others: Checking in on friends, family and colleagues, and breaking down stigma
• Action for All: Advocating for better mental health services, shorter waiting times and systemic change

Mental Health in Your Career Journey

Navigating career decisions and job searching can place a pressure on your mental well being. This blog will explore what practical steps you can take to manage this.

Whether you are applying for a job or stepping into your first part-time or graduate role, the process can stir up a mixture of feelings. The same can be said when you are making decisions about whether to follow postgraduate study or take a career path that is different from your degree. Having many different emotions and thoughts during these times is completely normal because you are making choices that can touch on your sense of identity, security and belonging.

Here are five key practical tips that can help you manage these feelings:

1. Set yourself compassionate goals – celebrate progress, however small, and in doing so, you will build confidence. For example, be proud that you were invited for interview, or acknowledge when you have made a difficult decision you’d been putting off.

2. Separate your worth from employment – your value is not defined by your job title, salary or the speed of your success. Detaching your identity from employment can help to protect your self‑esteem during periods of uncertainty and help build resilience. For instance, if you are rejected after an interview, remind yourself that this reflects the fit for that particular role, not your overall abilities or potential. 

3. Narrow your focus to things you can control and minimise how much you compare yourself to others. Concentrate your efforts on how well you prepare for interviews, how targeted your applications are and what you can do to fill gaps in skills or experience

4. Adjust the process to protect your energy: break your applications into small, manageable tasks, set realistic targets and building in recovery time. Reach out to the Centre for Wellbeing or ThriveWell at the University for wellbeing support around exams, job applications or academic issues. For further support, contact the Disability and Neuroinclusion team.

5. Book a careers appointment with one of our Career Development Advisers in Student Employability if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your career options. Career Development Advisers are here to support you, even if you’re undecided about your career plans. You can book an appointment to discuss job applications, CV and cover letters, personal statements and more.

Looking after your mental health doesn’t mean having everything figured out, remember that small, consistent steps go a long way.