As a Nightline Volunteer and a blood cancer survivor, I am familiar with the impacts cancer can have on someone’s mental health. I have experience signposting wellbeing resources on social media and panel discussions. I hope to promote wellbeing as a reliable point of contact for those needing support.
As a Publicity Volunteer for Nightline, I have shown that student wellbeing is a priority for me. Nightline is an active listening service that is ran by students for students. There are five pillars: anonymity, confidentiality, non-advisory, non-directory and non-judgemental. Through this role I have spoken on panel discussions within the university about the mental health support students can access. I have made social media posts promoting wellbeing by signposting resources.
I hope to promote mental health for students within this society by being an approachable face and be a reliable point of contact for those needing support by having check-ins and debriefs after events. I wish to encourage a supportive and inclusive culture and environment within Belfast Marrow.
As a survivor of Blood Cancer, I am aware of the impact cancer can have on people's mental health. I attended an event hosted by MacMillianand Aware to discuss the impact of cancer and mental health. Compared to the general population, the prevalence of anxiety and depression is often higher among people with cancer. Patients often do not obtain psychological support or treatment, a rate notably higher than in the general population. Research has found that about 10% of cancer patients suffer from anxiety disorders, which is also higher compared to those without cancer. Estimates suggest that 7% to 14% of cancer patients develop PTSD, with an additional 10% to 20% experiencing subsyndromal post-traumatic stress symptoms. These conditions are associated with increased distress and impaired quality of life.
As this society and this role relates to things I am passionate about, I hope to contribute to this society in a meaningful and rewarding way as part of this role's responsibilities.