Student Minds Blog : The time to reflect

Lockdown has impacted us all from the beginning of March
2020, whether positively or negatively. It has been tough for many in terms of
mental health and wellbeing.

From the first lockdown to now, I’ve seen many opportunities
to grow. Even though at times it’s been tough, with support from the Early
Childhood Studies staff and students here at the University of Derby, I’m doing
amazing. 

Everyone who knows me knows that I have mental health
struggles. I’ve never been comfortable talking about it. I used to hate having
to speak about it or listen to anything regarding it – I’m not sure why, but I
felt awful about it. I was so shy and lacked confidence and self-belief. I
didn’t have a lot of friends and I wasn’t a very talkative person, only around
the right people. I always felt judged by others and that’s why I stayed
quiet.  

During the first lockdown back in 2020, I struggled not
being in college speaking to tutors or classmates; it was a difficult
transition from college to university as I felt things wouldn’t get better.
During this time was when I first decided to make my mental health page
@asafeplacex to just post and meet others. It really did help that I met
amazing pages on Instagram like @crazyheadcomics and others. This page did help
and continues to help me.  

I went on to university and I thought I’d struggle. The beginning
was difficult, but I decided to become a student representative for my course
to improve my confidence and communication skills. The staff at Derby
University have been amazing and have helped me to have faith and self-belief –
something which I’m still working on, but they have pushed and supported
me. 

Throughout being a student representative and having days
such as #universitymentalhealthday and #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, I helped
and supported others on the course. I’ve completed online courses for mental
health and been working on myself. I’ve gained so much confidence over the past
2 years alone and I’ve made huge progress with my confidence and communication
skills.

Since last year, I’ve written blogs for Student Minds, and
created a document full of helplines and resources for students if they are
struggling or know someone is so they can share it. This year, I’ve also been
nominated several awards: the National Diversity Awards’ Positive Role Model
award, the Education Awards’ Inspirational Student award, and the Student
Representative of the Year, Personality of the Year, and Biggest Representative
Win of the Year awards at Derby University.

All of these things I’ve achieved. 3 years ago, I wouldn’t
have thought I’d be able to get this far. I’m forever proud of myself and
thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. 

This is a sign if you are struggling things will get better
and will start to improve. You aren’t alone and you are cared and loved for.
You matter.

Tayyibah Hussain is currently a student at the University of Derby studying Early Childhood Studies. She is interested in Mental Health, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and supporting others and hoping to inspire them to have self-belief and faith in themselves.