RU’s Mental Health Awareness Week next week

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Reykjavik University’s Mental Health Awareness Week will be held for the tenth time next week, October 5–9. The theme of the week is Always Connected, Yet Disconnected in a World of Technology, focusing on the effects of smart devices and screen use on well-being, relationships, and everyday life.

“At Reykjavik University, we recognize that good mental health is an important part of overall well-being and can provide a strong foundation for success in studies, as well as in other areas of life. It is therefore important to us to foster an environment where our students feel good, feel comfortable talking about how they are doing, and seek support when they need it.

We are also mindful of our social responsibility and want this topic to reach as many people as possible, not just members of the RU community. That is why most of the events will be livestreamed, allowing people who are unable to attend in person to participate as well. By holding Mental Health Awareness Week every year, we keep the conversation about mental health going and help make it a natural part of everyday dialogue,” says Eva Rós Gunnarsdóttir, a psychologist at RU’s Student Counselling and Career Centre.

“Many people suffer in silence”

“In my opinion, a week like this matters because it reminds us that it is normal to talk about mental health, just as we talk about physical health. Many people suffer in silence because they believe no one else is going through similar experiences. As a result, people often do not seek help until their problems have become more serious.

By creating space for open discussion, it becomes easier to talk about how we are feeling and seek support when needed. However, the week is not only about encouraging discussion and reducing stigma; it is also about introducing practical ways to improve mental health. In this way, it can both empower individuals and contribute to a healthier, more aware society,” Eva Rós says.

About RU’s Mental Health Awareness Week

Reykjavik University’s Student Counselling and Career Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, is offering a varied programme of events during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Two talks will be livestreamed and open to the public, exploring different aspects of being constantly connected. The first talk will examine the effects of technology on social connections and loneliness. The second will focus on practical ways to develop healthier screen-use habits.

In addition, RU students will be invited to attend a special lunchtime lecture exploring how technology can affect our attention and what we can do to improve our concentration in our studies and daily lives.

More information about RU’s Mental Health Awareness Week and the programme of events can be found here.