#MyMentalHealthMatters: We all have good and bad days

It's World Mental Health Day, and we've asked some of our staff to contribute their thoughts on the subject of mental health and what it means to them.

Ellie Jamieson, Ayrshire College Student Association Student President, had this to say:

Positive mental health, in my opinion, entails taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Realising your own potential and the fact that you are deserving of every opportunity that comes your way, as well as coping with difficult and stressful situations, possibly through meditation or journaling.

What positive things do I do to improve wellbeing?

I journal, meditate, walk, and try to eat for my gut to improve my wellbeing because the bacteria in your gut produce hundreds of neurochemicals that the brain uses to regulate basic physiological processes as well as mental processes like learning, memory, and mood. Gut bacteria also produce approximately 95 percent of the body's supply of serotonin, which influences both mood and GI activity, which is why it's critical for me to improve my gut health in order to improve my overall health.

What advice might you give someone who is struggling with their mental health?

My advice to someone struggling with mental health is to journal, go for a walk or do some exercise, or talk to someone, whether it's a close friend, relative, or someone at college, in addition to taking care of your gut health. Also, know that you are not alone, that we all have good and bad days, and that you will get through this.