Impact Issue Number 259 Health and Well-being Edition

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Death from Drug Overdose at an all time High ‘Hey man, why don’t you act black?’

Travel Vaccines: Is the price of holidaying too high?

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING EDITION

IMPACT

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INTRO

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A letter from the ...

PRINT EDITOR

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Welcome to Impact issue 259, the second issue of the 2019-20 academic year. We decided that the theme for this issue would be Health and Wellbeing. University life can be turbulent, with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and it’s important that we always set aside some time to take care of ourselves and others.

This is an important topic to discuss: as students we are constantly subjected to pressure from our teachers, parents and peers and can often be left isolated from the comforts of home and the support networks of family and friends. It’s also fair to say that students can be tempted by more than a few unhealthy habits – VKs and takeaways galore.

In this issue, we continue to promote the ongoing discourse of mental and physical health. It is a discussion worth having and I hope that the contents of this magazine may help in some small way, be it advice on how to take care of your own health, tips on helping a friend or just the reassurance that everybody has their struggles.

Impact News discusses the obstacles students now face breaking into the professional elite, the harrowing statistics of a generation facing the greatest drug epidemic in history, and universities' duty of care. May Perrin spotlight’s Nottingham Nightline, the only student-run welfare service open through the night. Ellie Stainforth-Mallison discusses whether First Aid training should be made compulsory in schools. Isobel Billington writes on the social disconnect surrounding social media.

In Features, Emily Swales and Anya Mcloughlin discuss mental health for men, with personal accounts and an explanation of the emerging male body dysmorphia crisis. Ben Ofungwu shares his very personal experiences of expressing an identity which doesn’t fit into “black culture”. Saira Akhtar takes us through the cycle of Seasonal Affective Disorder and Alice Reading reminds us how we can keep both body and mind healthy at university. Emily Casey discusses the often stigmatised topic of sexual health and Emily Hall gives some tips on how to recognise panic attacks and what we can do to help.

Is caffeine really the answer and are superfoods all they’re cracked out to be? Impact Lifestyle discusses. They also weigh up the pros and cons of social media, and interview Notts Buy/Sell and UniSalad creator, Rebecca De Beukelaer. Dr. Richard Armitage raises awareness of how we, as students, can help stop malaria once and for all, and Francesca Hadland questions whether important travel vaccines are too expensive. We also have the Lifestyle photoshoot depicting students at their most comfortable at university.

Impact Entertainment interviews some of Nottingham’s independent bookshops and debates the rising popularity of self-help books. They also explore our fascination with mental health in film and music, and explore the role of gaming in helping with anxiety and depression.

In Impact Sport, Callum McPhail foregrounds the often overlooked aspect of mental health and fortitude in professional sport and Ben Ofungwu deliberates the role that failure can play in our lives.

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We at Impact are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this magazine, not only those who have written articles, but everyone behind the scenes who has suggested ideas, edited, and designed. I am immensely proud of this team’s first two issues and I look forward to the next three.

Please enjoy, and remember to take 40 seconds out of each day to check in with yourself and ask a friend how they’re doing.

James Hurman

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TO BE CONTINUED...

Illustration by Natasha Phang-Lee

Front cover image: Emma Johnston shot by Nina Shasha

CONTENTS

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NEWS Should First Aid Training be Compulsory for School Children?

Spotlight on Nottingham Nightline The Epidemic of Mental Health at UK Universities UK Universities Reminded that their Duty of Care extends Online Do they know the Line?

Breaking into Britain’s Elite

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F E AT U R E S

11 Social Media: the Paradox of Connectivity 12 You can spell most of ‘University’ without ‘Healthy’ The Male Body Image Crisis Sexual Health and its STIgmas The Health Of Humanity Over Time Men on Mental Health “Hey man, why don’t you act black?”

Panic Attack 101 Feeling Sad? It might be the season 30 31

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The Truth about Caffeine ‘Superfoods’: Myth or Reality?

Medication vs lifestyle - which positively affects our mental health the most?

32 An interview with Rebecca De Beukelaer, CEO of UniSalad 34 “It’s complicated”: What’s your status with social media?

36 Malaria can be Defeated 38 E N T E R TA I N M E N T The Weight Debate 40 Have you got the stomach to eat like a local?

41 Travel vaccines: the price of holidaying 42 Shelf Help: Self-Help Books growing in Popularity 44 45 The secret life of a commuting student 43 A Book Lover’s Paradise Idolatry and Empathy: Troubled Artists 46 Method Acting: worth the risk?

47 A Cinematic History of Mental Health 48 Dragon Slaying: how RPGs can help you fight 50 your demons SPORT Gaming and Wellbeing 51 The perils of mental health in hyper-masculine sports Fandom and well-being: the pros and cons The impact of failure in sport How we can talk about mental health in sport

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EXTRAS Exposure Comic Strip: Rocks and Hard Places

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IMPACT

Should First Aid training be compulsory for school children?

With the new academic year well on its way, trials of first aid lessons have begun in 1,600 schools across England.

The new first aid classes will become mandatory from 2020, raising the question - should first aid training be compulsory for school children?

Under the current plans, all school leavers will be able to deliver CPR, give basic treatments for common injuries and understand the purpose of a defibrillator. Success overseas has shown teaching CPR in schools can increase cardiac arrest survival rates by more than double of those in the UK. The British Red Cross has campaigned for compulsory first aid training in school for “Under the current plans, over 10 years. According to all school leavers will their research, nine in ten be able to deliver CPR, adults would not feel com- give basic treatments fortable, confident or able to for common injuries and respond to three life-threat- understand the purpose ening first aid emergencies. of a defibrillator” This change in policy is a response to Lord Kerslake’s inquiry into the Manchester Arena Bombing in May 2017. Although, the report praised the public’s actions overall, there was a concern that the public were “unfamiliar with first aid principles”.

Amara Lee, second-year nursing student, told Impact: “teaching school children first aid could potentially waste money as they might not remember as well as putting pressure on them”. To this point, there is dispute over the age children should be taught resuscitation and the pressure these classes will add to an already full curriculum.

One study on teaching CPR in schools found that, after training, only 1 in 41 children aged 11-12 years old, correctly called for help and none telephoned for emergency services before starting resuscitation.

“One study found that, The study also draws after training, only 1 in concern to underperformance in the 41 children aged 11opening of airways 12 years old correctly called for help and none referring to the effectelephoned for emer- tiveness of low-quality gency services before CPR. The report concludes “these omisstarting resuscitation” sions have important implications for the teaching of CPR”.

However, some success stories have emerged from teaching first aid to children. Thomas Nolan, aged 14 years old, was on his way to school in Kent when a man in his early 20s collapsed.

Whilst a bystander called an ambulance, Thomas noticed the man was not breathing and he began CPR using the skills he had gained from a first aid course two years previous. The man was kept alive until the ambulance arrived and, ultimately, Thomas’ actions helped save the man’s life.

Other success stories include Hanna Floyd who had learnt the skills to respond to her mother’s collapse at their home in Bury. Hanna noted, “I was worried, but I knew what to do and how to stay calm”. She learnt first aid through an extracurricular club in school. Going forward, this knowledge will be available to all schoolchildren in England. Sheeza Fateh, a first-year medicine student, told Impact: “I think it would be good to familiarise school children with situations where they might need to use first aid from a young age so that they are aware”.

Ellie Stainforth-Mallison Design by Annabel D’Monte

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Illustration by Katherine Gomes

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SPOTLIGHT ON NOTTINGHAM NIGHTLINE Impact puts a spotlight on Nottingham Nightline, the non-advisory listening service provided and run by students here at the University of Nottingham. It is open from 7pm to 8am each night (and 24 hours welcome week and both exam periods) to take calls, instant messages and emails from students who wish to speak to someone, all of which is anonymous.

Rhiannon Jones (interviewed) is the 2019-20 Service Coordinator of Nottingham Nightline. Rhiannon first trained as a Nightliner in the Spring semester of 2017.

What can people call Nightline about?

“People can call Nightline about basically anything they want. We are an information service and we deal with calls on anything from academic stress to relationship problems, bereavement or suicidal topics; so pretty much anything you would like.”

What role does Nightline play as a part of the welfare services available at the university?

“Nightline is a student run service, so we are exterior to the university in that we offer a slightly different service.

We are open through the night which is great because no other university welfare services are.”

“University can be extremely challenging, so it’s important that students feel able to seek help when they require it, free from any judgement”

“In July 2017, the Of- How can people get involved in Nightline? fice of National Sta- “People can get involved in Nightline in loads of different ways. We train two cycles every year tistics found that, in of listening volunteers, applications for that have the twelve months just shut but anyone can get involved all year with prior, there were publicity and fundraising. There is a diverse range ninety-five recorded of events people can help out with and it’s really university student fun. They just have to either email our executive suicides in England account or go on our website or speak to our and Wales alone” volunteer engagement officer whose name is Jess Staplehurst.”

How important a role does mental health awareness and provision play in making sure that students well-being is protected at university?

“Mental health awareness is really important in terms of students’ wellbeing.

Nightline is here to listen through all of term time, we aim to be supportive and inclusive of all students throughout the night.”

Why is it so important that we talk about mental health?

“It’s really important to provide an open and honest space for students to discuss any and all issues they may be facing. University can be extremely challenging, so it’s important that students feel able to seek help when they require it, free from any judgement. It’s crucial that students feel well-supported whilst at University and know what support they are able to access. At Nightline, we completely understand that discussing mental health, in particular, can be an extremely complex topic. But we are more than happy to listen to any student who feels like they need someone to talk to.”

In July 2017, the Office of National Statistics found that, in the twelve months prior, there were ninety-five recorded university student suicides in England and Wales alone. With the growing demand for more openness and less stigma surrounding mental health issues through campaigns such as Suicide Awareness week and World Mental Health Day, it is important to recognise the role that services like Nightline play in supporting students on a daily basis.

May Perrin

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THE EPIDEMIC OF MENTAL HEALTH

AT UK UNIVERSITIES The pressures of the labour market, rising student debt and a culture of immense academic expectation: it’s no wonder we’re all struggling. Olivia delves headfirst into the student mental health crisis to highlight the disparate dichotomy that has arisen between universities and their students’ needs.

Image by Tahira Rowe

Higher education in“Stroke-a-puppy stitutions are paintsessions and yoga ed as a whirlwind of independence, self-improvement classes are like and socialising, whilst the darker sticking a plaster side of university life is too often like those big mac crumbs on a broken arm” from freshers’ week, brushed under the carpet. This dark underbelly is, of course, the student mental health crisis. With a fivefold increase in the number of students disclosing a mental illness since 2007, and in 2017, the rate of student suicides equated to 95 a year or one death every four days, we are currently faced with a problem of vast and unsettling proportions. Its mirage of complex and multifaceted triggers, including increased academic pressure on students, pastoral failings by UK universities and plummeting government funding, also make it far from an easy fix and a topic of pivotal discussion in the modern educational climate.

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In the drive to make universities profitable, there has become a fundamental confusion about what they are for. Prize learning is no longer seen as an end in itself and, instead, universities are focused primarily on league tables and equipping graduates for the job market. This has created a culture of immense academic pressure which has pushed many students to breaking and may help to explain the

NEWS onslaught of mental health cases that have flooded UK universities in the past ten years. “A growing proportion [of students] just seem terrified of failure” notes Goldsmiths lecturer William Davies, “and experience the whole process of learning and assessment as an unforgiving ordeal that offers no room for creativity or mistakes”. Students’ self-worth is being reduced to academic outcomes and it “Whilst universities is taking an inevitable toll on their university have become great experience and psyat striking up con- chological wellbeing.

Consequently, whilst versations about many universities remental health, quest that the student attend a meeting more often than with their programme not, these are not director if their non-atbeing affirmed by tendance reaches for concern, meaningful, practi- cause there is no equivalent cal action” guidance for academic staff on when and how they should raise concerns with support services.

This means that a vulnerable student could potentially face academic cautions before being offered support.

Pastoral and academic support are not interchangeable, and this frightening dynamic must change if universities are to truly support their students’ wellbeing.

Whilst universities have become great at striking up conversations about mental health, more often than not, these are not being affirmed by meaningful, practical action. Despite half of 18-year-olds now going to university, public services have been slashed in recent years which has made it near impossible for institutions to cater to the emotional and psychological needs of all students. University degrees have also become a requirement for many jobs which previously allowed people to start as school-leavers, which has also led to universities growing incongruently to the mental health services they can provide. Universities have thus resorted to a conversation culture in which difficult issues are addressed through words rather than actions. But “In the drive to it is excellent that make universities whilst these discussions are being profitable, there had, and it may compel students to speak more has become a openly and come forward fundamental con- about their struggles, if fusion about what there is no support system in place for when they do they are for” so, then such conversations are futile. The last five years has also seen a rise in therapeutic wellbeing campaigns which, whilst being lovely, similarly fail to address any real deep-seated problems. Stroke-a-puppy sessions and yoga classes are like sticking a plaster on a broken arm. These are a way for universities to feel they are doing something whilst only penetrating the very surface level of the problem. “Often these meas-

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ures are being done instead of properly funding mental health services” says a former UCL student. “Universities are competing for students. Therapy dogs look nice and are cost-effective. It’s insulting”.

However, the issue here is not only a lack of support services, but a question of ensuring that students have easy access to them via a co-dependent network of internal and external organisations – effectively a ‘safety net’ – and that these ‘touch points’ are fully audited to ensure that students do not fall through the gaps.

The lack of dialogue between universities and parents has come under specific scrutiny this past year as despite four in five (81 per cent) undergraduates saying that their university could share information with their next of kin, universities seem increasingly reluctant to reach out to the parents of struggling students. The parents of Ben Murray, 19, who was studying English at Bristol University and committed suicide in May 2018, discovered, only after his death, that he had been missing lectures and exams, and that he had been referred to support services. His father has since called for the relaxation of data protection rules that deter universities from alerting parents that their child has serious mental health problems and has highlighted a prominent issue in the way universities escalate serious health concerns.

“Pastoral and academic support are not interchangeable”

However, a few promising initiatives and schemes have been put in place in recent months to help tackle such concerns. The biggest being the ‘step change’ framework drawn up by Universities UK which is aimed at supporting university leaders to help embed good mental health into university culture, and features a plethora of practical points to improve both the provision and reception of student mental health services. A £14.5m programme to help reduce the number of student suicides at universities and colleges in England has also been unveiled by the head of the Office for Students (OfS).

One of the schemes awarded funding includes an Early Alert Tool which identifies students at risk of mental health issues by mining data sources like social media.

Launched in response to figures showing that only one in three people who die by suicide are known to mental health services, the scheme focuses on early warning signs and seems fit to make a real difference to struggling students. The UK government is also considering grading universities on their ability to deliver student mental health and wellbeing outcomes, as well as the graduate prospects and academic acclaim that have traditionally been markers of a university’s aptitude.

This will allow students to vote with their feet and select the universities with the best provisions, thus driving up standards of student mental health services nationwide.

Olivia Stock

IMPACT

UK UNIVERSITIES REMINDED THAT THEIR DUTY OF CARE EXTENDS ONLINE Online harassment has become an all too common by-product of today’s technologically driven society. It is uniquely different to traditional bullying with perpetrators being able to shield their identity and assume a level of anonymity only possible in the digitised world.

Even more concerning is the effect this has on the target who can be victimised anytime, anywhere.

With social media having a near universal reach within the 16 to 24 age bracket, university students are particularly at risk. Universities UK (UUK) raised concerns that universities have been struggling to tackle online issues and so has recently issued guidance to ensure they are better equipped. The “Online harassment guidance includes examples of best increases practice, one being the risk of from the University self-harm of Plymouth who and suicidal provides a module behaviours” for its final year business students called ‘Digital Futures’ enabling exploration of online harassment in relation to employability, personal life and human rights. Such a module increases awareness amongst students and, by embedding such poignant topics in the curriculum, you are able to reach out to more students.

Life on university campuses across the UK revolves around social media with hundreds of Facebook groups created each year for freshers starting their studies and wanting to connect with their new peers. University societies use the power of social media to contact their members informing them about events and activities. The online sphere is a huge part of the university experience which is precisely why it’s essential universities are doing their bit to protect students’ welfare.

The 2019 Global Digital report stated that on average, “69% of those social media users in the UK have 7.1 social media accounts suggesting that people are able to interact surveyed admitwith a variety of different communities. Although this ted to having comes with its benefits, the ability to have multiple acbeen abusive counts opens the door to abuse as people use online towards another personas to target those who are vulnerable. person online” Similarly, an annual bullying survey carried out by (Ditch the Label) Ditch the Label found that 69% of those surveyed admitted to having been abusive towards another person online showing the scale of the issue. Students need to understand that there are consequences to their words online and those affected should not have to accept the status quo.

However, The Warwick University Rape Chat scandal, which has been extensively reported on, does not suggest it is easy to come forward. In an instance where targets should have been protected by the university, we heard of the victim having to sit an exam on the desk neighbouring one of the perpetrators. Although the University of Warwick has since apologised for this, it reminds universities that they must better equip themselves to handle such cases. The National Union of Students (NUS) commented that sexual harassment online is becoming “normalised” across campuses. It cannot be emphasised enough that the effects of online harassment hold the potential to be devastating. According to a publication in JMIR, online harassment increases the risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviours. Students must be encouraged to talk about their experiences to university staff and such staff should be trained accordingly. UUK’s action in producing guidance for universities is a step in the right direction to ensure this problem does not grow exponentially.

Rebecca Mackenzie

Image courtesy of Ales Nesetril on Unsplash via Google Images

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DO THEY KNOW THE LINE?

Death from drug overdose at an all-time high According to the Office of National Statistics, drug related deaths are at the highest level on record. In 2018, there were 2,917 deaths from illicit drugs, a rise of 17%. Impact explores the causes and effects of this shocking new trend on students at the University of Nottingham.

institution.

One problem that many young people face nowadays is that they don’t even know what they’re taking. Substances can be cut with other ingredients, as is often the case with cocaine. Additives or poisonous fillers can be used by drug dealers to in-

“In 2018, there “We need to start In a new environment where many were 2,917 young people are faced with living by accepting that deaths away from home for the first time in drug use has intheir lives, students are more likely to from illicit evitably become engage in recreational drinking and drugs, a a part of many drug taking. Such a lifestyle goes hand rise of 17%” in hand with the ‘going out’ university students’ universiculture. Students’ access to pills and powders are made ty experience” easier through illicit online pharmacies known as the

WHY ARE STUDENTS ENGAGING IN DRUG ABUSE?

‘dark web’.

WHAT ARE STUDENTS TAKING?

According to a 2017 Tab article, the most popular drugs amongst Nottingham students in 2017 were cocaine, ketamine and pills. A shocking 41% of students had taken ketamine, 50% tried cocaine and 69% had taken MDMA, falling under the class A category. Ecstasy, the psychedelic most popular amongst students, makes people feel happy, ‘loved up’ and alert. It can make people feel more in tune with their surroundings which is what makes it so popular in nightclubs and parties - a big part of university culture. However, students underestimate that ecstasy can also lead to anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis and, in the worst case, death.

HOW CAN WE DEAL BETTER WITH THE ISSUE?

Sabine McGinley

Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

In 2015, Ashley Hughs, a student at the University of Lincoln, fell victim to an ecstasy overdose. Hughs had been at university just 13 weeks and was just 19 years old when he took two ecstasy tablets. Hughs’ mother revealed how difficult her son’s death was to handle, given that is was so out of his character. She revealed, “I read text messages in his own words saying that it was peer pressure” adding “there should be no mercy for people who sell drugs and prey on the innocent minded”. Two young men guilty of supplying Ashley with the pills were charged with up to two years in a young offenders’

crease dealers’ profits but can easily lead to overdose resulting in death.

First, we need to start by accepting that drug use has inevitably become a part of many students’ university experience. As much as people might want to, putting a blanket ban on these substances is just not the answer.

Rather, university policies should aim to minimise the harmful effects rather than forbidding them and shunning their users.

Furthermore, there are actions that universities can take in regard to anti-bullying policies to ensure that those who are engaging in recreational drug use are not doing them as a result of peer pressure.

Websites such as Talk to Frank offer helpful advice on how students can be as safe as possible if they are thinking about taking anything.

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IMPACT

BREAKING INTO BRITAIN’S ELITE We live in a meritocratic society. Or so it is assumed. The idea that hard work and educational opportunity dissolves the class divide within Britain. But weights of evidence disillusion one to portray that this is in fact not the case. Structural forces and cultural quirks hold young people from lower class backgrounds back in their careers. This therefore compounds that the road to financial prosperity may require more than a university degree and determination to achieve.

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t is widely assumed that once you have a University degree from a Russell Group university, the door to opportunities in the high-flying job market will open. However, evidence suggests the picture is not so black and white. The statistics on this topic are shocking. For example, a third of the UK population is working class yet only 10% of that third work in elite jobs. On average, they earn 16% less than their more privileged peers. This poses the uncomfortable question about who is still getting the top jobs in Britain and why.

“One third of the UK Educational opportunity population is working therefore may be a necessary condition for social class yet only 10% of mobility, but it is that third work in elite not a sufficient one. The notion is that, to break into jobs.

On average, they earn the elite, you must acquire a set of soft 16% less than their skills. These soft skills are more privileged peers” the interpersonal attributes needed to succeed in the workplace.

They are related to how you work and relate to others essentially, people skills. These soft skills are intangible factors that cannot be quickly learned or easily faked. For example; codes of politeness, knowing what to wear, speaking in a certain accent. Notably, it is widely assumed that if you sound posh then you must be clever. But such a superstition is damaging and can lead to stigmatisation.

Within a recent doc- “You only have to look at umentary on BBC2 the make-up of the high Breaking into Britain’s levels of parliament, the Elite, a poignant case judiciary, the study on army, the media. It’s not a student from the diverse; there’s not as University of Nottingham evidenced much social mobility as difficulties faced by there needs to be” someone from a (David Cameron, 2013) more disadvantaged background post-university. Despite achieving a first in Economics, the student simply could not get an ‘elite’ job in the city.

Instead he opted for a master’s degree at Imperial College. This action was taken to further his education therefore giving him a greater chance and an equal footing with someone who possesses the ‘polished’ factor. This polished factor is another phrase coined to refer to the set of skills elite jobs tend to favour in a candidate.

This therefore proposes that social class is now, and may have always been, the greatest of all barriers to social mobility. It is, however, harder to see and define than gender or race discrimination. As ex-prime minister David Cameron noted in a speech in the Houses of Parliament, “You only have to look at the make-up of the high levels of parliament, the judiciary, the army, the media. It’s not diverse; there’s not as much social mobility as there needs to be”. This was despite the fact that Cameron himself comes from an elite background attending the notorious independent boarding school, Eton.

Evidence of the social class barrier is further supported by the research of sociologists Sam Friedman and Daniel Laurison. Notably, they showed that working-class graduates holding a first-class degree are still less likely to be hired than middle-class graduates with a 2:2. They also found that middle-class graduates will earn on average £7,000 more than their counterparts from low-income backgrounds. These

NEWS

“Working-class statistics graduates holding evidence the need for a first-class degree are still less change and a reclikely to be hired ognition by than universities middle-class grad- that more is uates with a 2:2” needed to be

done to support students from a more disadvantaged background and lower social class. As noted in a report

by Vox, “lower social classes tend not to have a lobbying group as other minorities do”.

What must be done?

On a broader scale, addressing social mobility, and the lack thereof, requires implementation of economic policies.

For example, the hard-economic issues of unpaid internships must be addressed. They are noted to be “an active impediment to improving representation across our industries” (The Guardian 2018) and a system that presents many barriers to the underprivileged. For example, the living costs (accommodation and travel expenses) of a student during such internship. Moreover, the education system must take steps in realising that industries exist with certain codes generally constructed and promulgated to further those with the ‘polished’ factor. In accordance, society must eliminate the cultural bigotry that exists towards any kind of accent, dress-sense and mannerism indicative of a working-class background.

gramme. This works to instil confidence in students with real first-hand experience in the workplace. As noted on the University of Nottingham’s placements webpage, such an opportunity enables students of any background to “see what the sector you want to go into is like, try out specific job roles, and gain the skills that employers want.”. In accordance, a careers service is available to provide advice and interview training.

Therefore, the university is doing much to “Society must combat the difficulties students face entering the eliminate the culelite job market. However, more can be done. tural bigotry that Notably, the university’s Widening exists towards any Participation Team targeting children from less kind of accent, advantaged backgrounds to “support their dressprogression to higher education” could widen their ventures to support the progression of sense and manthose from less advantaged backgrounds into nerism indicative the job market.

of a working-class background” It should be noted that, no matter what social class, this article should not deter you from participating in higher education. Higher education does provide much of the skills, training and knowledge necessary to enter a desired profession. Not only that, higher education includes other benefits to an individual’s personal development and growth. Notably, you can gain a greater sense of discipline, a realisation of passions and expand/identify your personal skill set.

Mia Haffety

Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

The University of Nottingham offers an in-term placement scheme as well as an internship pro-

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IMPACT

SOCIAL MEDIA:

THE PARADOX OF CONNECTIVITY With over 3 billion social media users, 40% of the world’s population, the world is more connected than ever before. However, does online ‘connectivity’ really result in connections, or is it in fact doing the contrary?

A disconnection is growing not only between us and the people around us, but within ourselves. The image we create online is incongruous with reality. It feels like it is time to start embracing the reality with all its flaws, beauty and intrinsic value. These are three ways social media may be disconnecting us:

SELF-IMAGE It has become habitual to scroll

“9 in 10 females incessantly and mindlessly down said they are our Instagram or Facebook feeds, unhappy with but are we aware of how much we are unconsciously taking in? the way they Instagram in particular primarily look.”

focuses on people’s physical appearance “contributing to a generation of young people with body image and confidence issues,” says the Royal Society for Public Health. It creates unrealistic expectations of an ‘idealised body image’ which is detrimental to self-esteem. This is especially true for women; The Public Society of Public Health recently found that 9 in 10 females said they are unhappy with the way they look.

This alarmingly high figure suggests we are losing touch with who we really are with the tools to manipulate ourselves on screen. There is a clear disconnection between what we really look like and our online image; the effect this is having on our mental health suggests that change is imperative.

FOMO It’s light-heartedly said we have ‘FOMO’ if we are missing a Crisis or a Shapes, but social media is exacerbating this feeling to an unhealthy extent. The popular concept

of Fear of Missing Out refers to “a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent.” With the constant exposure to photos of people always appearing happy, this comes as no surprise. The stream of this on social media increases ‘FOMO’ and is associated with lower mood and life satisfaction. ‘Always on’ communication technology can cause feelings of anxiety, loneliness and inadequacy. It is disconnecting us from the reality that not everyone is constantly partying, not everyone is ‘living their best life’, but we all are in the same boat of ups and downs, unlike the perfection portrayed on social media.

SLEEP As students, we

“Social media is a

all know that sleep preventative; having enough the light from our sleep is of paramount imporscreens just inches tance. Yet, that from our face suplate night scroll presses the release just before you of melatonin, the close your eyes hormone that facilimay be doing more harm tates sleep.” than you realise.

It is scientifically proven that social media is a sleep preventative; the light from our screens just inches from our face suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that facilitates sleep. England’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, warned, “There is an increasing public and policy concern about the impact of computer/smartphone screen use, and ‘blue light’, upon human health.” It is therefore disconnecting us from our habitual sleeping pattern and perhaps even the next day by gazing relentlessly at our melatonin-reducing screens.

The overall message from the research on social media is to take control. Social media is neither entirely good, nor entirely bad and its impact on mental health is dependent on its use. Social media can be addictive, it can generate negative thoughts, but it can also be used in a healthy and manageable way. Let’s try not to let the connectivity of social media be a paradox, but a way to increase the interconnectivity in this frenzied digital world.

Isobel Billington

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T S O M L L E P S N ’ A Y C T I YOU NIVERS LTHY A U ‘ E F H O T U O H T I W

e s a tim i y t i s een niver and u iffers bet w , e b d to ppen how health a h e at er w herev ding looks ome. w s e eh ang Rea t; it ch met. Alice d your hom n a t s an lum con not a n soar or p r uni home s i h t you Heal health ca e r e wh

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am not athletic, or a good dancer, or a healthy eater.

But in Winterson’s Sexing the Cherry, Jess wasn’t sharp or cruel or mad until her husband believed and acted as if she was: ‘I was none of these things, but I became them’ (Janette Winterson, Sexing the Cherry, p. 59).

At university, I know I am healthy when I have done some laundry, have “As a result, I become (emmy healthiest and my phasis) fresh least healthy” food in the cupboards, have done some exercise, and have had enough sleep. Which is, for someone who can’t juggle, a lot. But I know I am looking after myself if these things are getting done, and their absences are signals to review and reassess if everything is okay. The body fuels the mind, fuels the body.

In comparison, being at home allows

me to get green lights on the above, without having to give a lot of time to them. I can prioritise academic productivity and bananas will still be in the fruit bowl and dinner at six o’clock (thank you, mum). I need a different template of what healthy looks like at home: have I left the house, spent time with my family, seen my friends? And, the God tier of Alice-is-on-top-form: have I steam-mopped the kitchen floor?

My parents, unsurprisingly, parent me while I’m at home. They are my tutors, counsellors, doctors, advisors, teachers, technicians, and mechanics who understand the washing machine settings in ways more complex than I could ever imagine.

That is to say, I am not the only person looking after my health when I’m at home.

I used to think that moving away meant playing in a one-man-band, absorbing all the roles my mum and dad used to play for me to become my own single parent. But universi-

ty, if you will forgive me the cheap metaphor, is more of an orchestra. It provides a support network of advisors and tutors and doctors that go beyond the home so that you don’t

“I can prioritise academic productivity and bananas will still be in the fruit bowl” have to play on your own.

For me, university works in peaks and troughs: more takeaways but also a gym membership, academic pressures but also the security of routine and productivity. University pushes at the margins of my physical and mental health where living at home did not. I choose when to exercise and what to eat and when to rest, and as a result, I become my healthiest and my least healthy.

At home or at university, my health is my responsibility. I just ask different people for help.

Alice Reading

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IMPACT

THE MALE BODY IMAGE CRISIS Anya explores how body image is not just a female issue and why we as a society need to break the stigma on men’s mental health.

According to NHS statistics, the number of hospital admissions for adult men who are suffering with an eating disorder has more than doubled since 2010. The number of those who are victims of this ever-expanding epidemic are expected to be much higher, particularly considering that 90% of men with an eating disorder are living under a suffocating veil of silence. Despite these stark “90% of men figures, weight with an eating and body imdisorder are age are often living under a considsuffocating veil ered to be a of silence”

There is still a dominant idealised notion of what the male physique should look like; with an ever-pressurising expectation of a bigger and harder muscular exterior, even the ‘toughest’ of men are weighed down psychologically. Such pressure is evidenced in the rise of those suffering with muscle dysmorphia, which is a subset of body dysmorphia characterised by an endless pursuit of muscularity which never seems to be fulfilled. The problem is not intrinsic to building muscle; it is rather the blurred line between working out as a healthy part of your lifestyle and working out taking over

gender specific issue; societal attention tends to be largely centred on women and their ‘ideal’ shape. Yet such failure to listen to the male voice on body image only serves to further exacerbate the issue, pushing many men to crisis point.

Whether it is weight loss product advertisements targeted at women or entire magazines dedicated to rating women’s bodies, the eyes of the world seem to be fixed on the female physique. Amongst this media circus, it is easy for the equally damaging digital alteration of six packs in advertising and male ‘torso of the week’ magazine pages to go unnoticed. Where there is growing resistance against the fat-shaming and thin-shaming of women, awareness of the difficulties which men experience with their body image appear to be lagging behind.

“Despite progress in opening up the dialogue on men’s mental health, the beliefs that they should ‘toughen up’ still persist”

your life.

This same assumed physical strength of men spills over into perceived notions of their emotional strength.

Despite progress in opening up the dialogue on men’s mental health, the beliefs that they should ‘toughen up’ still persist. Such an attitude only serves to perpetuate this already deeply entrenched stigmatisation of men’s mental health and the idea that it is a weakness to discuss such issues. With regards to body image, this general background stigmatisation combines with the additional perceived shame of talking out on a ‘women’s issue’, resulting in a vicious cycle whereby men only seek help when they reach crisis point with their body image.

Only a collective and open discussion on male struggles with body image can change the status quo. More recently, public figures such as Robert Pattinson and Christopher Eccleston have started to discuss their own personal struggles with their physical appearances. Whilst we might not all have an audience so large to communicate with, all of us as individuals can reach out to our peers to encourage a supportive dialogue about body image that is inclusive to all.

One conversation could result in altering someone’s understanding of body image or provide a form of release from an omnipresent weight on male shoulders.

Anya Mcloughlin Illustration by Katherine Gomes

FEATURES

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Illustration by Katherine Gomes

Sexual Health and its STIgmas Emily Casey discusses the stigmas surrounding sexual health at university, and what help is available to students.

Coming to uni is a time of firsts: first time living on your own, first time cooking for yourself, and, for a lot of people, the first time you start thinking about your sexual health. There are a lot of negative stigmas surrounding sexual health, so it’s time to break those down and understand the support that is on offer at UoN.

“A young person is diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea every 4 minutes in England’

As young

“We should handle people, STDs in the same we are way you would any statistically disease: be sympa- most afthetic, offer advice,fected by sexually and don’t blame transmitthe individual’ ted infec-

tions and diseases (STIs and STDs). In fact, in 2017 there were over 144,000 diagnoses of STIs in people aged 15-24, and a young person is diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea every 4 minutes in England. Despite supposed improvements in sexual education for young people, there has been exponential growth in STD cases - gonorrhoea increased by 22% from 2016 to 2017. So why is this the case? In my opinion, a real

contributing factor is the associated social stigmas.

The general perception is that people with STDs are somehow “unfaithful” or even “dirty”. The “unfaithful” label is somewhat fairer, as your chances of contracting an STD increase the more sexual partners you have; particularly if you are not using condoms. However, this is not always the case. Impact spoke to a student from Queen Mary University in London who contracted chlamydia. She found out that she had the disease in freshers’ week when she jokingly took a test from a fresher’s stall. Taking the test was a joke for her because she had only slept with one person, who had been her partner for a year. This highlights the importance of getting tested with every new sexual partner you have, no matter what sexual history they may tell you. This student underwent treatment and developed pelvic inflammatory disease, which increases her risk of infertility.

This brings into question an interesting consideration between the genders. Women are sometimes described as “dirty” because they are more likely to develop symptoms, whereas men can often transmit STDs from partner to partner, without displaying any symptoms.

However, there is no need to draw a

gender divide on this topic. Instead, we should handle STDs in the same way you would any disease: be sympathetic, offer advice, and don’t blame the individual - you wouldn’t have a go at “Health’ enyour mate for compasses catching a cold. many terms, If you are having and sexual sex, then you need to know health is a mawhat help is jor category” available. Cripps Health Centre offers free STI screenings to those under 25. This involves a routine questionnaire (without judgement) and quick and easy tests. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy going to the doctor’s, you can order free STI tests through the “Cripps post. You take the tests yourself, Health Centre pop the samples offers free back through the STI screenpost and get the ings to those results back via under 25” a text in less than a week. Both methods are completely confidential and offer follow-up support if results are positive.

‘Health’ encompasses many terms, and sexual health is a major category, so don’t forget about it!

Visit the Cripps website for more information.

Emily Casey

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IMPACT

THE HEALTH OF HUMANITY OVER TIME Wonder how health has affected humans over time?

Features writer Richard Armitage investigates the subject.

The world is getting healthier. Period.

Over the last two centuries, the global poverty rate has dropped from 80% to 10%. This is nothing short of spectacular. While it’s morally unacceptable that 700 million still live on less than $1.90 a day, you can’t argue that, for most people, living conditions have drastically improved over recent decades. I’d much rather be alive today than in 1800.

This impressive trend isn’t limited to economic improvements. It translates to all sorts of important metrics, like access to electricity, time in education, and deaths in combat, all going in the right direction.

“The world has enjoyed a steep and sustained rise in average life expectancy” But the biggest wins are the great leaps we’ve seen in the health of humanity. This is most strikingly captured in our average life expectancy, which has increased by decades over the last century across all parts of the world.

This remarkable progress didn’t happen spontaneously.

It is the product of the monumental effort of humanity, composed of major breakthroughs and scientific discoveries, often in the face of huge challenges. So where did it start?

In 1798 the British doctor Edward Jenner did something weird. He found a milkmaid suffering from cowpox, took some of the pus from one of her boils, and poked it into the arm of a young boy. In doing so, Jenner performed the first vaccination in recorded history, and gave birth to a cornerstone of public health which has prevented millions of deaths from diseases we no longer see like diphtheria, measles and tetanus.

“I’d much rather be alive today than in 1800” When London was struck by a cholera outbreak in 1854, five hundred people in Soho were killed within ten days. John Snow, a physician at Westminster Hospital, undertook the first recorded epidemiological study and concluded the Broad Street water pump was to blame.

The pump was replaced, the epidemic ended, and the field of modern-day public health was born, with John Snow widely regarded the founding father.

Shortly afterwards in the late 19th century, the works of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch provided the scientific proofs of germ theory, the notion that certain diseases are caused by the actions of specific microorganisms within the body. This led to the radically improved sanitation practices, like sewerage systems and hand hygiene, which drastically lowered disease outbreaks that had, until then, devastated the world in epidemics like the Black Death and the Plague of Justinian.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

FEATURES Since these key moments, the world has enjoyed a steep and sustained rise in average life expectancy, with only temporary dips due to millions of deaths that disproportionately affected young people in the World Wars and 1918 Spanish Flu.

“Humanity’s greatest feat in global health was the worldwide eradication of smallpox” The next key moment was Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928. This not only won him a Nobel Prize in Medicine, but marked the beginning of the antibiotic revolution which would go on to save tens of millions of lives from what we now call ‘simple’ infections.

For me, humanity’s greatest feat in global health was the worldwide eradication of smallpox, a deadly virus that reached all continents as civilization expanded. The WHO-led global vaccination program, using the infamous bifurcated needle, started in 1958 and ended in 1980 as the world was formally declared smallpox-free.

With the end of one pandemic, a new one emerged. The

19

“plague of mental health problems that are sweeping the world” US reported the first case of AIDS in 1981. Today, almost 37 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

While the pandemic mostly affects East and Southern Africa, it touches every corner of the globe.

What are the challenges for global health today? The first is the rise of non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. These affect countries on all levels of income, but pose an especially challenging threat to low-income countries who must also battle the on-going burden of communicable diseases like malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS. The second is the plague of mental health problems that are sweeping the world.

And the third is antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the future of our civilisation, no less.

The world is getting healthier. Much, much healthier. But while I’d rather be alive today than in 1800, we still have a lot of work to do in global health.

Dr. Richard Armitage

Design by Katherine Gomes

Images courtesy of Wikipedia

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IMPACT

MEN ON MENTAL H “I like to remind myself that good times don’t exist without the bad”

Emily Swales investigates how men really feel talking about mental health and their own experiences with it. Read on for their stories.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Alongside this staggering statistic, the number of men currently undergoing treatment for substance abuse in the UK is three times that of women. With conversations on male mental health remaining a stigmatised issue, many men aren’t reaching out for help and support, regardless of whether they need or want it.

I sat down with some of the great men in my life to explore the mental health pandemic currently facing our generation. Here are their accounts:

FERGUS, 19

“I still feel expected to be mentally ‘tougher’ as a guy.

You’re just expected to hide your emotions, definitely more so than our female peers. I haven’t been affected by a mental health issue but my friends have, and it took them a long time before they shared what was going on with anyone. I really don’t think it should be seen as embarrassing or a sign of weakness; it’s just being honest. Plus, without speaking to people you begin to isolate yourself, and your feelings start to hold you back from living life.

I was never spoken to about mental health at school, I think there is more talk around it now but I still don’t feel it is enough. I also think it’s incredibly important for the message to be reinforced at uni as it is a really easy place to become lonely and this will just compound any feelings of anxiety or depression. I hope for more dialogue around mental health; plus, the whole ‘macho’ man image needs to be scrapped for good. I understand people and friendships interact in different ways but the pressure resulting from this type of ‘banter’ should never affect someone emotionally. It can be really damaging.”

BEN, 21

“I think there definitely is a stigma, but it is changing.

Coming from a house of seven boys last year, we never spoke about anything like that, as every time the conversation came about it was shut down or turned into a joke very quickly. However, I think this is dependent on the group, who the people are and their experiences etc.

The existence of influencers also means people see the success, but not the grind behind it. This can lead people to expect instant results from things, leading to serious dissatisfaction with experiences, which contributes to depression, anxiety etc. Drugs can also have an impact;

it’s subjective because everyone’s experiences are different, but I know people whose mental health has been worsened by drugs as they use it as a distraction from the real issue.

The ups and downs of mental health should be normalised and viewed on the same level as physical health, not only by society, but also by institutions with universities and businesses at the forefront of it. I think generationally it will change. I found out from my dissertation that a lot of people don’t speak to their dads about issues as much as their mums but I think if our generation of men embrace an openness with our children there will be a knock-on effect.”

“You’re just expected to hide your emotions, definitely more so than ALEX, 23 “For me, it’s about looking after our female myself; heading to the gym, eatpeers” ing healthily and catching up on sleep. Mindfulness and meditation are great, and the Headspace app comes free with Spotify as a student. I like to remind myself that good times don’t exist without the bad. I think people investing in getting to know themselves, recognising when they are feeling rubbish, and exploring the ‘why’ always helps. I think social media can play a really problematic role for our generation as people only really promote the best aspects of their life which portrays such a

“The ups and downs of mental health should be normalised and viewed on the same level as physical health”

FEATURES

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HEALTH

one sided, ‘tip of the iceberg’ view of reality.

I also think that once you get into that safe space then opening up isn’t a problem. But it is hard to open up as a lad as there is a general misconception that opening up is being weak. Saying this, I don’t always know if it would be easier as a girl, because I am unsure as to how nice girls can be to each other sometimes. I hope for two things; firstly, that there will be more tools out there to help people openly explore how and why they are feeling a certain way in a safe space. I also hope to tackle the misconception that it is weak to speak, but like everything, it just takes time.”

JAMES, 22

“I had some experiences with anxiety when I was younger which I didn’t deal with very well - instead of looking to change the way I felt, I just accepted it as part of my life. I would like to think that if I was suffering, I would trust my close friends to help me seek advice but I feel the whole guy culture remains that to suffer is to be weak and that you have to deal with it on your own for fear of being labelled ‘weird’. For women, I feel there exists an openness and definitely more of a ‘we can do it’ vibe with regard to talking about and tackling issues head on.

I feel that when opening up with men, demonstrating you care is there, but there is rarely a true deconstruction of the issue. I also feel that talking about past issues is way less taboo than talking about something you are currently struggling with, as there is an element of not knowing how to deal with it. There needs to be less of a ‘you’re fine’ attitude and more of an honest and open approach. Whilst mental health remains a taboo subject, it will always be easier to just brush it under the carpet. I care a lot about what the NHS do for mental health, I don’t think people seeking it should ever not be able to get the help they need, and I feel like this is currently the case.”

“For me, it’s about looking after myself; heading to the gym, eating healthily and catcwhing up on sleep” “There needs to be less of a ‘you’re fine’ attitude and more of an honest and open approach” Emily Swales

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IMPACT

“HEY MAN, WHY DON’T YOU

Ben Ofungwu gives us an insight into what growing up as a young black person means to him and why we shouldn’t stereotype

“Hey man, how come you don’t act black?”

I’ve probably been asked that question as many times as I’ve been asked for my name and each time my reply is “what is acting black?". This is where all the stuttering on their part usually begins. Really though, what is blackness? Why does it apparently have varying degrees? Why does it matter? What is black humour? What is white humour? Shouldn’t humour just be humour? What is a ‘black’ thing to do? What is a ‘white’ thing to do? Does any of this actually matter?

Growing up, these are questions that I always asked myself - especially if it was one of those days where I had been called an Oreo...again.

“We live in an era For those unsure what where black cul- that is, it basically means being black but ture and identity having a white personality, much like an is appropriated Oreo, apparently. We firstly and mostly live in an era where by the media but black culture and identity is appropriated seems to seep its firstly and mostly by way into the very the media but seems to seep its way into the roots of society” very roots of society.

This started out with not wanting to be the smartest kid in class if you were black because being good in school equalled ‘acting white’ (and of course you had to pretend as though school didn’t matter). That was what ‘acting white’ used to mean back then. Now, it has only become more complicated.

“

”

“

Black culture is now seen as a singular conception that happens to surround very distinct features such as a particular type of music, fashion, lifestyle or hobbies. But why should there only be one way to be black?

Well, there shouldn’t be; it shouldn’t be limited in any way - it can and should exist in multiple manifestations. Being black but being interested in theatre, loving indie music, and dressing in 70’s streetwear does not make you less black.

If anything, you are expanding the definition of what blackness is and could be. Ultimately, your skin colour does not dictate your personality.

This also extends to sexuality too. There are many black people out there that are constantly afraid to come out to their other black friends or family because being part of LGBT is just not seen as something black people do.

It’s time that people realise your interests, personality and lifestyle is mostly based on factors outside the colour of your skin.

Also, you’re not committing a sin if most of your friends do not share the same race as you. If you grew up in a community that had more white people than black, chances are that you would have more white friends than black. If you grew up with parents that were into more alternative stuff, chances are you will be too. What I am trying to say is, you can firmly be rooted in your race but you should not in any way be limited by it. You

It’s time that people realise your interests, personality and lifestyle is mostly based on factors outside the colour of your skin

”

FEATURES should not have to hesitate before you do something because you’re afraid it’s against the ‘code of blackness’.

Never feed into the constant temptation of minimising yourself in order to fit in or ‘belong’ when you know for a fact that is not you. Anything that should make you feel as though you ought to shrink part of yourself isn’t worth doing. It is imperative that we all start understanding this.

This is an issue prevalent outside of black culture too.

Being Asian but not necessarily adhering to the typical customs of Asian culture does not make you less Asian.

Black culture is not just one thing; there isn’t just a single way to be black and ‘belong’, just like there is no way to be Asian or White. We make these unnecessary rules for ourselves just as a way of further boxing us in and classifying ourselves as one particular type of person.

In a world that seemingly runs on stereotypes, it’s very important to not adhere to these ones.

This is also why representation is vital. Growing up, black culture was always perpetuated in a specific order that in no way encompassed the behaviour of other black people with varying personas. It was always the black character who would talk a certain way, dress a certain way, be interested in the latest sneaks coming out or the new Beyoncé album - whilst all that is cool, where are the black characters that loved West Side Story, wore flare pants post 70’s, were vegan and gay? Or the Asian one, who always has to be frighteningly clever with almost zero personality outside of their smarts whilst

“

“Never feed into the constant temptation of minimising yourself in order to fit in or ‘belong’ when you know for a fact that is not you”

”

23

being as square as, well, a square. Hardly ever would you see a portrayal of an Asian person who is the life and soul of the group, has the best personality and isn’t overly concerned with being the smartest in the room.

That was always the problem. If you didn’t see yourself represented on screen or anywhere really, how could you possibly have the courage to portray yourself like that anyway? And let’s not even get started on the nonblack people who forcefully claim to be blacker than you just because they learnt how to dab correctly two weeks ago.

I personally think that it’s cool to continually attempt to push the boundary of what your race is stereotypically meant to define, and I hope we all persist in pursuing it. If you are one of those people that still feel the overriding need to ridicule those that do push these boundaries, then at least come up with something better than ‘Oreo’; they come in different colours now.

“

“I personally think that it’s cool to continually attempt to push the boundary of what your race is stereotypically meant to define, and I hope we all persist in pursuing it”

”

Ben Ofungwu

ACT BLACK?”

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IMPACT

PANIC ATTACK 101: How to spot the signs, help others and help yourself Panic attacks are a horrible thing to go through and a difficult thing to help, but Emily Hall has three easy tips for spotting signs and helping sufferers.

Not to be dramatic, but having a panic attack really can feel as if you’re dying. You want the world to swallow you up there and then and can’t see yourself ever feeling normal again.

However, as with most things, it eventually passes, and you slowly begin to come back to life.

If you have ever experienced a panic attack, then 1) I am really sorry because they suck and 2) I bet you have had an experience where someone was trying to help you but actually made you feel 10 times worse (like giving you straight rum to drink instead of water…bad idea.)

“Having a panic attack doesn’t necessarily mean someone will be crying hysterically on the floor”

It isn’t people’s fault if they don’t know how to help; it isn’t taught in schools or in the workplace as I think it should be. A simple 10-minute addition to a first aid course could make SUCH a difference. Anyhow, if you’re reading this thinking “I wouldn’t know what to do if I saw someone having a panic attack” then listen up. These could be the most valuable things you will learn all year…

1. RECOGNISE THE SIGNS

Having a panic attack doesn’t necessarily mean someone will be crying hysterically on the floor or clutching their chest, it can be the opposite. People may become very withdrawn and very quiet. They may suddenly leave a room or take themselves out of a conversation. These aren’t signs of rudeness,

but rather their body’s way of dealing with the Fight or Flight stage. Other signs to recognise are shaking, hyperventilating, dry heaving or being unable to catch their breath. These are very general and everyone is different, so if you know someone suffers with an anxiety disorder or panic attacks, politely ask them what you should be on the lookout for. To me, this would be an incredibly caring thing to do.

2. ASK THEM WHAT “Remind them THEY WANT YOU that this feeling TO DO is temporary, it

Sometimes, trying to help will pass” can result in you making their panic worse, so instead, ask them what they need or want you to do.

They might want distance and space, a distraction, to be left alone, or to be comforted. Whatever it is, try and do it for them.

3. BE KIND

The easiest one. Just be kind. Be patient and understanding and recognise that for them, this is a really big deal and something that they won’t forget in a hurry. Even if it is happening at a really inconvenient time; your favourite song at a concert has just come on, or you’re just about to order in a restaurant - panic attacks come at any time and any place and are very hard to stop once they have started. Remind them that this feeling is temporary, it will pass, and that it is no trouble and not a problem that they’re going through it. When having an attack, you can feel like such a burden to others, so to have reassurance that everyone just cares about your welfare is essential.

Visit the Cripps website for more information at www.unhs.co.uk.

Emily Hall

Images via publicdomainfiles.com

FEATURES

Feeling SAD?

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It might be the season Subconsciously, the environment we are surrounded by affects the way we think and feel, but how?

AUTUMN

The nights are drawing in, there is a chill when you step outdoors, but the illusion of warmth from the sun brings promise for a productive day. The leaves start losing the vibrant green colour and become a spectrum of red, orange and yellows and it feels like an easy day is in sight – the reality is the opposite.

Although it may feel morbid and lifeless there is still beauty to be seen…

Try waking up a tiny bit earlier than usual and you may even see the sunrise at Wollaton Park or Highfields Park before lectures hit. This helps to make your day feel productive and you are ready to start again.

Don’t forget there are some cool events that happen during this season. To name a few: Halloween, Fireworks Night and the build up to Christmas. So don’t let the dark nights stop you from going WINTER

out... grab a jacket and head on out!

It’s the worst season by far – the very short daylight hours, the bitter single digit temperatures and the dreaded exam season when you return to uni. The trees have lost their leaves and the frost and snow looks visually perfect. However, the practicality is far from it; slipping on ice, and having a red nose is enough to make you want to stay in your cosy bed. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, there are many of us who feel the lows of life in this season. One of the best ways to warm yourself up is to get out and do some exercise – it gets the blood pumping and heat is one of the best by-products! Don’t forget that the best social events happen end of winter/early spring, so it does get better!

“Don’t let the dark nights stop you from going out... grab a jacket and head on out!”

“Uni is out!

Natural serotonin is at its highest!”

SPRING

Bloom! Hibernation is on the way out; the days are getting longer, and the dark grey nights are coming to an end. If you watch carefully along the West Entrance, you’ll slowly see the tulips grow and soon you’ll be able to see the magnificent array of colours that have been hiding away over winter. There is hope in the air. The infinite number of layers are slowly coming off. The endless coursework still plays on your mind but knowing that nature is not against you is one less thing to worry about. A quick walk as a break from studying sounds ideal!

Saira Akhtar Design by Shannah Few

SUMMER

Exams are done! Uni is out! Natural serotonin is at its highest! The freedom to breathe and recharge. You’ve worked hard and there are many, many events and music festivals happening across the UK. It’s exciting and it feels great to have planned for the best summer yet! These are the days where you can see everything embracing the sun, not just humans; all the magnificent insects are out, from blue dragonflies to the migrated Cuckoo Birds that arrive in May to the UK. Embrace the greenery and go have a look in your local nature reserves as I’m sure you’ll find many new organisms around you.

EXPOSURE Images by Francesca Wormald and Ann Marie Ekuban Design by Nina Shasha

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IMPACT

THE TRUTH ABOUT

CAFFEINE Melina looks into the social and scientific backgrounds of the student’s best friend: caffeine.

Many students consider caffeine essential for functioning on an everyday basis, as well as necessary for survival through lectures, exams and long days in the library. Pretty much every building on the University of Nottingham’s campus offers the opportunity for a tea or coffee.

Even outside of the core student scene, the fact that you can’t walk ten minutes down the street without encountering a coffee shop suggests that coffee is playing an increasingly important role in societies worldwide, both economically and in terms of our reliance upon it. An American survey, conducted in 2017, found that 96% of students drink caffeinated beverages regularly, and 65% consume caffeine every day of the week!

“Studies have found that people who drink between three and five cups of coffee a day have a 15% chance of living longer than those who do not drink coffee at all” Today, caffeine plays an integral role in many cultures around the world. In 2010, Finland was ranked the most caffeinated country, with citizensconsuming, on average, between four and five cups per day. In Britain, Afternoon Tea is considered a luxurious event, whereas in Japanese culture, a daily tea ceremony is common.

Caffeine imitates two chemicals in our brains: adenosine and dopamine. Naturally, adenosine is designed to slow down the activity of nerve cells by binding to adenosine receptors. However, caffeine is a stimulant, so when it binds to the adenosine receptors it increases, instead of slowing down, the activity of the cells. This effect is what me and you feel as a ‘coffee buzz’. Similarly, dopamine, a neurotransmitter which stimulates pleasurable feelings in the brain, is also easily imitated by caffeine, causing us to often crave the sensation.

Melina Williams Design and illustrations by Sarah MacAllen

On the flip side, caffeine consumption also has some positive effects. Encouragingly, these include memory enhancement; researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that caffeine possesses certain properties which boost memory function. In more good news for students, since caffeine affects adenosine receptors in the brain, it can also relieve low level pain (including headaches and migraines). Additionally, further studies have found that people who drink between three and five cups of coffee a day have a 15% chance of living longer than those who do not drink coffee at all.

However, the negative effects include the fact that, as a diuretic, caffeine has the ability to increase your need to urinate and could even cause diarrhoea. Whilst this effect is not thaT serious, it can lead to mild dehydration, so it is important to keep drinking water alongside caffeinated drinks.

Moreover, since caffeine influences the adenosine receptors, it can also mess with our sleep cycles. Adenosine is a chemical in the central nervous system which sends signals to the brain when it is time to rest; consequently, it makes us feel drowsy. However, because caffeine can block the adenosine receptors, it can cause you to stay awake; be that a good or bad thing!

“As with most things, in order to experience the benefits of caffeine, it should always be consumed in moderation” Research from Independence University has shown has shown that we should only consume 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is the optimal amount in order to amplify your cognitive function and lift your mood. As with most things, in order to experience the benefits of caffeine, it should always be consumed in moderation.

FOOD

31

‘SUPERFOODS’: Myth or Reality?

Ever wondered whether ‘superfoods’ can actually live up to their miraculous expectations? If so, read on! Lexie has done some research and come to her own conclusion

“We rarely think about the impact food has on our mental health, but the nutrients we consume are incredibly important, both physically and mentally”

You’ve probably seen this word on Instagram, health blogs, and in the news, but what are superfoods and are they worth spending money on?

The term ‘superfood’ does not have an official definition since it was created as a marketing term used to highlight and exaggerate the health properties of certain foods. One ingredient that many ‘superfoods’ contain is antioxidants, which can be found in blueberries, açaí, green tea and turmeric, to name a few. Antioxidants, without getting too scientific, are molecules which protect cells from harmful free radicals; the damage they cause can lead to diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.

It seems simple enough that eating things which are high in antioxidants can help to prevent awful diseases. However, the truth is that the actual effects on humans is still up for debate. The studies carried out which support the benefits of ‘superfoods’ involve high doses of concentrated nutrients and their effect on isolated cells or animals.

Therefore, unless you eat obscene amounts of products considered ‘superfoods’, it is unlikely you’ll be able to replicate the same conditions, and consequently feel the same effects, as these experiments.

It’s also important to consider the environmental and economic impact of consuming ‘superfoods.’ Many superfoods come from distant, threatened environments, and therefore their environmental impact can be difficult to justify. Just think of large areas of forest cut down to accommodate the growth and transportation of these new foods. However, you could argue that this is a problem with many of the foods we eat. Thinking economically, the price of the ‘superfood’ label is not as difficult to comprehend. You can buy cocoa powder for £2 or £8, depending on whether it’s marketed as a ‘superfood’ or not.

Yes, cocoa powder is considered a ‘superfood’ but don’t get any big ideas and start thinking that you can now binge on chocolate! While there are benefits of eating a little bit of unprocessed dark chocolate now and then, you can also find antioxidants in most berries, or similarly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by drinking green tea.

However, a huge benefit of eating chocolate is that, for most of us, it makes us happy! We rarely think about the impact food has on our mental health, but the nutrients we consume are incredibly important, both physically and mentally. Perhaps being more mindful of the food we eat can improve our relationship with food, so we don’t have to search for products with seemingly magical properties. I will say one thing though - in moderation. We should definitely eat foods that we enjoy, but if they’re not very healthy, we should aim to eat them sparingly, so that they don’t negatively impact our physical health.

So, all in all, ‘superfoods’ may contain super ingredients, but their effects will likely be limited and short-lived. Are they worth the money? In my opinion, probably not! However, there are some ‘superfoods’ that won’t break the bank and would make a great addition to your diet. For example, you could incorporate some more lentils, quinoa, berries and oats to your 3 daily meals. They will provide some much-needed variety, which can boost your overall wellbeing, but don’t expect any miracles.

Lexie von Celsing

Design by Frances Kong

“unless you eat obscene amounts of products considered ‘superfoods’, it is unlikely you’ll be able to replicate the same conditions, and consequently feel the same effects, as these experiments”

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IMPACT

MEDICATION vs LIFESTYLE

Which Positively Affects our Mental Health the Most?

Sämi Wainwright delves into the science behind whether medication or lifestyle changes are the best way to manage our mental health.

It’s often debated whether medication or lifestyle change are the ‘best’ way to conquer mental health and conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue etc.

During university especially, stress over deadlines and exams can contribute to and fuel conditions, so learning how to best manage them is essential. You might have a tried and tested method for conquering your everyday companions, but below are some helpful tips you might like to consider.

M E D I C AT I O N

Medication can mean any number of things. For anxiety and depression especially, medication can be key to being able to have a positive dayto-day outlook.

Medication can have very quick effects. Sometimes this will mean a few days, sometimes a few weeks, depending on the type of medica-

tion. It can help with mood, to stabilise emotions and reduce feelings of stress and extreme fear or worry.

They can make living with a mental health condition a lot easier day-today, reducing negative thoughts and stimulating positive ones. For a lot of people, especially those struggling to cope with their condition, medication can be an essential part of daily life. Generally, if you have been prescribed medication, it's probably because it is necessary.

Medication is also very easy to take.

Remembering to take medication is often not a problem, and if it is, time it with brushing your teeth in the morning or evening. Setting an alarm on your phone can also help you to remember. It will never take as much time out of a busy day as strenuous exercise and it can often have stronger and more targeted effects on your mental health.

However, medication doesn’t just have to mean something prescribed by a doctor. Many people prefer to use natural remedies to help combat their stress or anxiety. A 2012 study conducted in Taipei tested the effects of lavender aromatherapy, with results showing a significant

drop in the heart rate of participants and greater ease of sleep. CBD oil has also become more popular in recent years, with preliminary study results showing that it can have an effect on stress and anxiety.

Even small things like essential oils or herbal teas can make a big difference to your mental health. A small 2018 study also showed that herbal teas can have positive effects, with chamomile being able to alter levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Just take a few minutes to sit down with a cup of tea and to just be with yourself.

There are, of course, some drawbacks to taking medication. The cost at the moment for a prescription from the NHS, is £9 per prescription, which can look very daunting on a student budget, especially if it becomes a repeat prescription. Some medications can have withdrawal periods if you stop taking them immediately, and you will probably have to be careful about taking regular painkillers, like ibuprofen.

However, often the end result can be well worth the hassle, especially if you are struggling regularly.

“

SCIENCE

33 Illustration by Katherine Gomes

Even casual exercise such as yoga, tai chi or meditation can help to bring you into a better mindset and to mediate any bad days

”

“

For a lot of people, especially those struggling to cope with their condition, medication can be an essential part of daily life

”

“

The cost at the moment for a prescription from the NHS, is £9 per prescription, which can look very daunting on a student budget, especially if it becomes a repeat prescription.

”

LIFESTYLE

value. They can help maintain cognitive function, help you concentrate on studying and understanding lectures. Most importantly, eating well can improve your mood, give you more energy to push away negative thoughts and focus on your learning.

a release from keeping everything inside. Spend some time talking to your parents, or your friends. Tell them about your week and about how you’ve been feeling. If you are struggling, it’s never good to go through it alone.

You’ve probably seen website after website, going on about how exercise can change your life. To some extent, they do have a point. But that doesn’t just have to mean forking out £229 for a gym membership.

If you already have one, great, the gym is ready and waiting, but just walking an extra five thousand steps a day can make a huge difference.

A study by the Lancet Psychiatry from between 2011 and 2015 found that people who exercised reported 43% fewer “bad” mental health days than those who didn’t. Even casual exercise such as yoga, tai chi or meditation can help to bring you into a better mindset and to mediate any bad days.

It can be hard to fit in that extra couple of hours in the gym or extra walk alongside studying, going out with your friends, eating and sleeping, but there are other ways to improve your lifestyle. Apps such as Rootd, Happify and What’s Up? and paid apps like Calm and Headspace can improve the way you think about yourself and the world, how you deal with stressful situations and they’re perfect for those walks between lectures and for you to track how you’ve been feeling over the last couple of weeks or months.

“If you are struggling, it’s never good to go through it alone”

Lifestyle choices can be made alongside taking medication, or as an alternative to medication, to help you combat negative thoughts and stress on a daily basis.

Food can also play a large part in creating a more mental health friendly lifestyle. Generally, the HuffPost recommends foods that are close to nature, which largely aren’t processed and are high in nutrient

Mindfulness can play a big part in being able to recognise what causes bad days. Working to reduce those triggers or to alter your response to them through therapy or mindfulness can help you to feel better daily. Even if you don’t want to talk to someone else, even just talking over the week with a friend can give you

It’s important to bear in mind, that not everything is going to work for everyone. Some people might find that remembering to take medication is a problem, or that making these lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, just doesn’t fit in with being a full-time student on an intensive course. If you are finding it difficult to keep up, try switching or using a combination of both and seeing if it improves your mood and mental health. The most important thing is to do what is right for you, whether that be medication or a lifestyle change, or maybe even both.

Sämi Wainwright

IMPACT

34

C

AN INTERVIEW WITH Rebecca De Beukelaer, CEO of Uni Ualad With the must-get app UniSalad being relaunched fresh for the new academic year, we had a sit down with UniSalad founder Rebecca De Beukelaer to learn more about it.

Here we look at the history of UniSalad, and focus in on student wellbeing as we consider how the app helps students avoid the dangers of upselling and scamming, and how it actually benefits the lives of our students.

“

Joe Paternoster: So, how did UniSalad start?

Rebecca De Beukelaer: “I made the buy/sell Facebook page in my third year at uni.

So 2013. I didn’t really do any kind of marketing. There was nowhere where people could buy and sell tickets so I thought ‘well I’m just gonna make this group of students’.

I added like twenty of my friends, who added their friends, and so on, and then I think when I graduated in 2014 – I’d had it just over a year – it was like two or three thousand students. It wasn’t massive, but now it’s like thirty-six-thousand. It kind of grew by itself.”

I needed to do something with all these users, so I thought let’s make an app.

”

JP: Wow. RDB: “People do love it. So yeah, I made this Facebook group, and then I left uni. I started a PGC, but quit it. I was still running the Facebook page, and it was still growing. I needed to do something with all these users, so I thought let’s make an app.”

JP: What’s the process of making an app, then?

RDB: “Oh God, making an app. Where do I start? I kind of designed the whole app even though I’ve got no design background or anything. Based on how people use

buy/sell.”

JP: There are five sections on the app, right?

RDB: “Yeah there are. There’s ‘unichat’, which is meant to be like questions, recommendations, competitions, any funny stories you might put on. Then there’s ‘buy/sell’.

So tickets, books, bikes – whatever you want. There’s also ‘lost and found’, ‘housing’ – so if you’ve got a spare room in your house for example – and then ‘travel’, so lift sharing and things to do with bus/train tickets in that section. Originally, I was only going to do the buy/sell section, but I thought I would just bring in all five.”

JP: Why those five?

RDB: “For four years I was just looking at buy/sell and seeing what people were posting, and they were only ever posting about these five things. It was very rare that it was something else.”

JP: So, in terms of design, you outsource to a company and they do all the tech stuff?

“

Everyone should start a business though. You learn a lot.

”

RDB: “Yeah so, they obviously redesigned it because my design was awful! There’s a website where you can design the frame of an app. I think it’s called FluidUI. com, if you ever want to go on that! The tech company found it handy for the visual. It took them from August to January to make it, to code it and do everything. And then we launched it at the very end of January.”

JP: I hear the app helps deal with things like upselling, which you get a lot of on Facebook?

RDB: “Yeah, upselling is a problem. On Facebook, they get blocked straight away. People were selling it for ten times the value sometimes, it’s crazy. It’s just unfair on other students, and you don’t really want to be the one having to pay. Also, you’re not allowed to do it. When you buy a ticket from a club it’s not your ticket to sell.

You can exchange it for the same value, but you can’t

SCIENCE actually make a profit on it. Obviously, if you’re a student selling it’s easy money, so I get why they’re doing it. But it’s not right. And then there’s combatting scamming, too. You can’t get scammed on the app because every user is linked to an email address, so they’re an actual student at university. So, if something was to go wrong, they could hopefully report it to UniSalad and we’d investigate. Or in worst case scenarios they could hopefully take it up with the uni.”

JP: How do you get people who use the Facebook group to move over to the app?

RDB: “We have all these different marketing strategies which we are trying. We give away Ocean and Crisis tickets each week on the app. I’ve got ambassadors who do two/three days just talking to students around the place. I’m doing competitions to win money, tickets. I’m doing one week that’s a sports competition. I’m doing things like, for a whole week, every two users that joins we’re planting a For a whole tree. I’m also launching in Leeds week, every at the same time. So a two-inone. We’ve just done a week in two users Leeds. It’s got like 600 users. So that joins fingers crossed that will grow.

The Nottingham one has 7,000.” we’re plant-

“

ing a tree

”

JP: So, why the name UniSalad?

RDB: “Everyone asks this question! It’s meant to be like a salad of everything you would use at university, because it’s lots of different things. It’s quite far-fetched I do know.”

JP: It’s memorable.

RDB: “The thing is, it was the temporary name at the start and we were like oh we’ll just do this and then we’ll come up with something better. But it kinda grew on people. And because it’s so bizarre people don’t forget it.

It just kind of sticks and nothing else is called UniSalad so…”

give you any more answers. You’re on your own.”

JP: Are you enjoying what you’re doing?

RDB: “I’m enjoying it because I’m learning so much and watching my little baby grow. But it’s so much harder than I thought. And not harder physically, but mentally it’s so hard. Because you think oh, you know, you’ll be fine just pick yourself up. But when you see your users going down over the summer or something, or you’re like oh we’re gonna run out of money, and it’s just really hard if you don’t have any co-founders. You are literally by yourself, because no one really understands what you’re doing.”

JP: Does that make bringing someone else onboard challenging? Because it’s been just you from the start?

RDB: “Yeah, I think I’ll always be very protective and I’ll always make sure I’m doing the right thing. Everyone should start a business though. You learn a lot. There are so many people I see who are like I’ve got this idea.

And it seems like a good idea, and then they don’t follow through. But they really should do it. I had that with this.

Like should I do it, should I not? I was like if I don’t do it I’ll regret it. And I think lots of people do regret it. So, it’s time! Even if you fail.”

JP: Anything else you’d like to say?

RDB: “Download the app!”

UniSalad is available to download from the Apple Store and on Google Play. Follow them on Twitter @ UNISALAD and on Instagram @uni_salad!

Note that this interview is only an excerpt – for the full interview, visit Impact’s website!

U

C

JP: So, are you just kind of learning as you go, or do you have like a consultant kind of thing?

RDB: “Nah nothing. It’s very difficult. The amount I know now, I wish I could just tell myself back in time. Because it’s like oh you didn’t know anything, what were you doing?! I think everyone goes in not quite really knowing anything, and I learnt through Google articles and YouTube videos, you know like ‘how to do a business plan?’. My mentor helped, but now I’m getting to a point where Google doesn’t really

35

“

People were selling it for ten times the value sometimes, it’s crazy.

”

36

IMPACT

“IT’S COMPLICATED”: What’s Your Status with Social Media?

We constantly check on it, it’s our security blanket in public environments and it often makes it into bed with us. Let’s face it, having a social media account has some striking similarities with being in a relationship. And, like any old-fashioned love story, the online experience has its ups and downs.

It’s human nature to persevere with what we’ve got, yet more and more, we scroll past break-up news of celebrities and influencers who have cut-off all ties with their accounts (whether these dramatic endings lasted is another story!).

Nonetheless, the growing trend of the ‘social media detox’ does beg the question as to whether our relationship with networking sites is a healthy one.

promotion game to a It’s imporwhole different level” tant to that besides the occasional sponsored brand-plug, an influencer’s product is undeniably their own lifestyle. As a result, the line between body and brand often becomes blurred on these accounts and this is where things get problematic.

Selling lifestyles for likes creates a culture where an individual’s value is pinned on the opinions of other people. Even more worryingly, this validation

note

Illustration by Tahira Rowe

Like the majority of its users, social media is young, growing and constantly changing. With the grand entrance of the Instagram Story, companies are ditching their websites and tapping into a platform that promises access to the pockets of spendthrift millennials. However, in a world of FitTea and Sugar Bear Hair, sharing the adspace with businesses are the fresh (face-tuned) faces that take the promotion game to a whole different level.

“In a world of FitTea They are the social media ‘influencers’: from vloggers and Sugar Bear Hair, c.2009 to the celebrities of sharing the ad-space Instagram and the newbies of with businesses are TikTok, the only prerequisite the fresh (face-tuned) for this specimen is a sizeable following. faces that take the

SCIENCE

“The line between body and brand often becomes blurred on these accounts”

complex doesn’t stop with influencers: every post is charged to some extent with the longing for showers of red hearts, blue thumbs and the odd fire emoji in the comments box.

With a level of control over our online personas that we don’t possess in every-day life, we all strive to present a positive version of ourselves through our accounts. Yet, while an online inundation of workout shakes, latte art, edgy graffiti and avocado toast may seem innocent enough, it is clear to see that the social-me“The irony of dia definition cliché tales of of an ‘ideal’ lonely teens hid- lifestyle is iming behind their possibly niche. phone screens is As a result, that social me- platforms can promote a dia facilitates herd mentality interaction” that negatively impacts the self-worth of the average user spammed with smoothie bowls as they munch cornflakes during their morning scroll. What’s more, these social-media ‘norms’ are famously linked to issues of body image and dangerous health fads such as juice cleanses, weight-loss pills and waist trainers.

Unfortunately, the physical health risks of social media do not stop with food and exercise. For the student generation, a rite of passage growing up was the parental witch-hunt against our mobile phones after we either missed or failed that oh-so-important test. Social media is almost always the culprit: as easy entertainment

(or distraction) goes, is there anything simpler than tapping that white bird, ghost, letter ‘f’ or polaroid camera icon? Not only do these apps result in those pesky ‘whoops I went to bed at three again’ moments, studies have also shown that their instant accessibility has a negative impact on attention spans.

“Whilst not everyone will achieve the body transformation or domestic goddess status promised by the post, trying something new can go a long way” t’s true that the health risks of social media get all the coverage, but when has the press ever given the full story? In the shadow of the shock-headlines that scream of ‘cyber-bullies’ and ‘internet addiction’ is the daily ‘inspo’ that encourages users to make positive changes for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Whilst in the past reality stars and performers have ruled the online roost, the title of ‘influencer’ stretches to any profile that has gained popularity, whether built on the back of a multi-million-pound career or in the depths of a student bedroom.

As a result, we now have a host of every-day-celebrities – ‘normal people’ made famous by ‘normal people’ – that are providing social media users with a myriad of desirable lifestyle choices that are typically more attainable than that of the Kardashians. With the opportunity to swipe ideas from any page or post, it’s easier than ever to add some small yet significant changes to our daily routines, whether they are a bedroom-friendly HIIT session or a bit of experimental meal-prepping.

Whilst not everyone will achieve the body transformation or domestic goddess status promised by the post, trying something new can go a long way in breaking out of the mundane and creating aspirations.

What’s more, the irony of cliché tales of lonely teens hiding behind their phone screens is that social media facilitates interaction. For those with

37 disabilities or illnesses that complicate and limit social situations such as old age or anxiety, networking sites provide a lifeline that makes conversation immediate and hassle-free. Additionally, like-minded communities and marginalised groups such as LGBTQIA+ are given the opportunity to communicate and build support networks without the barrier of distance. With immediate access to people with similar experiences, help-seeking behaviour is increasingly becoming normalised, whether it’s finding that miracle acne solution or sharing coming-out stories.

“Once users unNot only does social derstand that the media bring filters go far beus closer yond just the imto other ages, it’s possible people, it to have a positive also makes experience” news and information immediately available, connecting us to local events and worldwide developments that can otherwise be too easy to miss. Furthermore, through posts raising awareness for hospital trials and online health surveys, an increase in recruitment from the under-represented 16-25 age group is making medical research more representative.

For an activity that releases the same hormone as sex (oxytocin, if you were wondering), it’s fair to say that social media deserves the ‘It’s Complicated’ status at best. For any user needing some therapy, the key to success is perspective. Realising that a profile will never reflect the diversity of true life with all its ups and downs is a breakthrough absolutely necessary for the healthy use of any networking app. Once users understand that the filters go far beyond just the images, it’s possible to have a positive experience without comparing accounts and pages to our daily lives. So, put away your tissues, break-up songs and that pint of ice-cream, because your relationship with social media is definitely one worth fighting for.

Rowan Perry

38

IMPACT

MALARIA CAN BE DEFEATED.

And You Can Make it Happen.

The world’s scientists have made great progress in defeating malaria. However, there is still much work left to do. Dr. Richard Armitage explores the current fight against malaria, and what students can do to help in this fight.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons via Google Images

Every two minutes, 700 times a day, a child under 5 dies of malaria. It’s thought to have killed half of all people who have ever lived – some 50 billion humans – and we’ve been trying to eradicate it for decades.

And we’ve made a lot of progress: since 1900, the proportion of the world at risk from malaria has reduced from 53% to 27%, and half of our countries are now “Lately, malaria-free. Since 2000, over 600 million cases have our fight been averted in Sub-Sahaagainst ran Africa, mostly through malaria has the distribution of insecticidal ground to a bednets. And the number of kids under 5 who died of halt” the disease plummeted from 440,000 in 2010 to 285,000 in 2016.

This is good news. But that’s still 285,000 kids too many. And, for the first time ever, scientists have gone on record that malaria can be eradicated entirely. Within a single generation.

“Letting malaria “For too long, malaria eradication has been to continue to be a distant dream, but a death sentence now we have evidence is morally repugthat malaria can and nant” should be eradicated by 2050,” said Sir Richard Feachem, co-chair of The Lancet Commission on malaria eradication, which recently published a report in The Lancet funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“But to achieve this common vision, we sim-

SCIENCE ply cannot continue with a business-as-usual approach,” Feachem added. “The world is at a tipping point, and we must instead challenge ourselves with ambitious targets and commit to the bold action needed to meet them.”

Lately, our fight against malaria has ground to a halt. There are still 200 million cases reported across the globe each year, claiming the lives of nearly half a million people. 55 countries reported an increase in cases between 2015 and 2017. And concerns over parasite and vector resistance to currently available drugs and insecticides continues to rise. Despite our victories in recent years, our progress against one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest tormentors currently hangs in the balance.

“But the prospect Malaria is not of a world without malaria should excite just a health us in a very different issue. It’s way – it’s something a social that we ourselves justice iscan make happen” sue. The disease perpetuates cycles of inequality, with 29 countries accounting for the majority of new cases and 85% of deaths in 2017. All but two of these countries are in Africa, where just two nations (Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo) account for 36% of global cases alone.

While the disease is entirely preventable and reliably curable, low-income and rural people continue to die due to lack of access to simple bednets and lifesaving treatment. In 2019, with our scientific understanding and global GDP around $140 trillion, letting malaria to continue to be a death sentence is morally repugnant. By fixing this inequity, not only would we honour our responsibility to justice, we would free up countries to use their resources on other things, ultimately boosting their development and economic prosperity.

Thankfully, the Lancet report brings us validated hope. The feeling amongst experts is that we could and – most importantly – should

eradicate malaria from the world within our lifetimes.

GOOD NEWS FROM SCIENTISTS

The Lancet Commission developed a machine-learning model to capture the complex associations between malaria and a variety of socio-economic factors (like urbanisation) and environmental factors (like climate change). Using projected global trends, they mapped these factors onto 2050 to see how they might affect the future global landscape of malaria. When they modelled what would happen after increasing the use of solutions like insecticidal bednets, the simulations showed that we can feasibly eradicate malaria within 30 years.

HOW TO BEND THE MALARIA CURVE

If you looked at a graph showing malaria cases over time, you’d see a curve that generally bends downward. However, because of the recent slowdown in progress, we need to ‘bend the curve’ more aggressively so it quickly reaches zero. The recent report tells us how to do that.

It offers a roadmap to defeating malaria using three key techniques: Enhancing the “software” of eradication, such as training national malaria program managers and staff to increase the quality of operations and ensure financial resources are being spent well. Creating and deploying new “hardware” of eradication, which involves investing in new methods of rapid diagnosis, new long-lasting insecticides, and novel medications, as well as exploring out-of-the-box approaches like nanotechnology and gene drives. Making the necessary financial commitment, by increasing our annual global spending on the disease from a paltry $4 million to something in the region of $6 billion (this sounds like a lot, but consider that the UK public alone donates £10 billion to charity each year). #

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR UON STUDENTS? While the UK is thankfully a malaria-free place, the prospect of safely

39 traveling the world without the need for malaria prophylaxis will save us a great deal of “Malaria is an time, mon- insult to the equal ey and unpleasant and healthy world we all aspire for. side-effects.

But it can be deBut the feated.” prospect of a world without malaria should excite us in a very different way – it’s something that we ourselves can make happen.

While the report claims total eradication is possible, it concedes that it is an ambitious goal that will take monumental effort to achieve. For us to get there, we need to direct the world’s most talented people towards the cause. This is where UoN students come in.

The knowledge and skills you take from your uni degree could be used in the making of history. Our biotechnologists could develop new drugs and rapid diagnostics. Our economists could ensure the huge financial investment is deployed responsibly and efficiently. And our geneticists could counter increasing drug resistance and explore new gene drive technologies.

But we need more than just the scientists and economists. Think about working for an effective charity in this space – like the Malaria Consortium and the Against Malaria Foundation, consistently recognised by GiveWell as two of the most effective charities in the world. Organisations like MC and AMF need experts in fundraising and marketing. They need talented logisticians and artists, passionate writers and photographers. By working with NGOs like these you will have a significant and positive impact on the world.

Malaria is an insult to the equal and healthy world we all aspire for. But it can be defeated. As a UoN student, you can help us in this fight – the greatest fight humanity has ever taken on.

Dr. Richard Armitage

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IMPACT

THE WEIGHT DEBATE:

Has the ‘body positivity’ movement gone a step too far?

Niamh explores the issues surrounding body image, and the misconceptions behind ‘self-love Modern-day beauty standards have left women in constant pursuit of the ‘ideal body.’ This consists of long, lithe legs, a pinched waist, substantial bust, low BMI, green juice cleanses, carb-free Christmases, as“Shining the spot- tronomical gym light on individuals memberwho are above the ships and National Health Ser- of course vices’ recommended all the BMI is as irrespon- frustration that sible as promoting comes those below it” along in trying to achieve this aesthetic. From Love Island contestants dominating our screens all summer and long, hollow-cheeked models gracing the catwalks the rest of the calendar year, we are bombarded with constant reminders of our physical inadequacy.

This is where the ‘body positivity’ movement has played an invaluable role. Deconstructing the idea that we must be beach-body ready from January through to December, and empowering women to be confident flaunting their version of healthy, is a vital and powerful step forward.

A Guardian investigation found that eating disorders had more than

doubled, from 7,260 to 16,023 between 2010-11 to April 2018. These shocking statistics prove the urgency for a backlash against societal idolisation of unrealistic body types and the low esteem within women.

However, at what point should the ‘body positivity’ revolution draw the line?

Whilst the movement began by advocating against rake-thin supermodels and encouraging women to embrace their natural bodies, it has taken a step further in recent years. In October 2018, Tess Holliday, a plussized model who fits the criteria for morbid obesity, was featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine: a move that sparked a debate surrounding “fat pride.”

The cover raises questions as to whether shining the spotlight on individuals who are above the National Health Services’ recommended BMI is as irresponsible as promoting those below it. Just as being underweight can lead to a plethora of health concerns, ranging from osteoporosis to fertility issues to poor immune health, being overweight has been proven to increase the risk of heart

disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Obesity is a worsening problem. 2017-18 NHS figures attest that 29% of the UK population are obese. In the US, the National Centre for Health placed adult obesity at 39.8% in 2015-16. This is no longer a case of fad dieting companies and celebrity workouts profiting on our vanity and insecurities. This has evolved into a full-scale health crisis.

Let it be made clear that we are not discussing the difference of a few pounds, or even a few dress sizes. Weight fluctuates. Unpicking the toxic pressures women face to maintain peak physicality is nothing short of a triumph for the ‘body pos- “Unpicking the toxic itivity’ movement. pressures women Hourglass Monroe face to maintain figures and Rubepeak physicality nesque curves are the kind of incluis nothing short of sive representation a triumph for the that the media ‘body positivity’ should be promotmovement” ing.

However, should we really expand this to encompass endorsing dangerously overweight women, whose habits may be shaving years off their lives? We are all free to make our own informed decisions on how we want to live but publicly advertising unhealthy life choices in the media takes this a step further. In an era of politically correct millennials hashtagging ‘#liveyourbestlife’ and ‘#hatersgonnahate,’ it may be time to stop tiptoeing around the hard questions and start acknowledging that obesity does not qualify as ‘self-love.’

For help with eating disorders, visit www. youngminds.org.uk.

Niamh Robinson

SCIENCE

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Image courtesy of Pixabay via Google Images

HAVE YOU GOT THE STOMACH TO EAT LIKE A LOCAL? How to Avoid Illness Whilst Travelling When travelling abroad there are many things to consider, particularly if you are heading a little more off the beaten track. From vaccinations to sunburn and mosquitoes, you can see how many travellers do end up ill when travelling. Yet, though these things are all contributors to getting ill, one of the biggest reasons travellers end up sick is related to food and drink situations. So, here are four tips to help you stay a happy and healthy traveller no matter where you end up visiting.

“It’s important TAP WATER to consider how One of the most common piecfood is prepared es of advice you are given when before eating it” travelling is to only drink bottled

water, as often the tap water in other countries have different levels of purity that the bacteria in our bodies cannot deal with. Yet, a mistake people then make having followed this advice is they may forget to not get ice in their drinks, something very easy to do yet the ice is often made from the tap water so can cause just as many problems. Furthermore, foods such as salads and some vegetables like onions are often washed in tap water so can cause similar issues, therefore it’s important to consider how food is prepared before eating it.

WASHING HANDS

A simple one, but arguably the most important tip: always remember to wash your hands before eating food.

It’s the best way to prevent the spread of harmful bacte-

ria that could cause horrible illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, food poisoning, MRSA or even hepatitis A.

STREET FOOD

“As a general rule,

Street food can be one of the only eat food that best parts of travelling, as it is fresh, cooked can be a great way to sample thoroughly and the local cuisine but take care when choosing where to eat. piping hot” Always make sure the vendor appears to be following good food hygiene practices and watch them cook your food. As a general rule, only eat food that is fresh, cooked thoroughly and piping hot.

TAKE IT SLOW

When travelling further afield, “Take it slow the food can be very different to what we get in England; for and don’t dive example, if you’re visiting India, straight in with a lot of the food may contain far the hottest curry more spice than you are used on offer” to. So, the best way to deal with this is to take it slow and don’t dive straight in with the hottest curry on offer, as your stomach will not be thanking you later.

Hopefully, if you follow these tips, your time travelling can be spent soaking up the local history and sights and not with a trip to the doctor’s.

Kayleigh Moore

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Image courtesy of Pixabay

TRAVEL VACCINES: Is the Price of Holidaying Too High?

C

urrently, a number of vaccines are available for free on the NHS, namely: polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera. The NHS writes that these four vaccines in particular are free because ‘they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country’. However, other sources additionally cite yellow fever and malaria as the most common vaccines travellers require, neither of which are available on the NHS following cuts “On paper, the made in the prices of travel last couple vaccines are a lot, of years to especially when ‘low priority’ injections. added onto the Other vacprice of flights, cinations accommodation travellers and other travel are now required to expenses” pay for are hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis and TB. Obviously, which vaccines you will need are dependent on where you go but getting several at once may be necessary and more than one dose of each vaccine may be required, which in itself is a lengthy

Last year, UK residents made 71.1 million visits overseas, with the most common reason for travel given as ‘holidaying’. However, whether for a holiday or work, travelling overseas can often require a number of vaccinations before visiting. With a 60% to 70% chance of illness when traveling in less developed countries for up to 90 days, getting a vaccination – though often an essential part of travelling abroad – is not always free.

Does this extra cost make the price of travel just too high?

I want to do abroad”.

“You don’t want Other students also to spend loads of agreed that they are a time and money necessary expense. One planning an amaz- recent graduate now ing holiday, only to teaching in China excatch a disease that plained that although she required a full medical means you have to check in order to gain her spend your beach work Visa on top of her injections – an appointdays in a foreign ment which cost £400 hospital”

and expensive process on top of the price of a holiday. Rabies, for example – which poses a great risk to travellers going to Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Bali, Mexico and South Africa to name a few – requires 3 jabs which, at Boots, would total £180.

Tablets to prevent against Malaria, which is prevalent in Asia, South America and parts of Oceania, will also set you back around £69 to purchase enough tablets for a twoweek trip. The NHS does emphasise that ‘it’s worth considering [these prices] when budgeting for your trip’, advice one student traveller agreed with, stating “since you’re paying loads for a holiday already, vaccinations should be just like any other travel expense, especially on a once in a lifetime trip like a safari for example. Why would you let anything get in the way?”

On paper, the prices of travel vaccines are a lot, especially when added onto the price of flights, accommodation and other travel expenses. One student traveller felt her travel vaccines were “unnecessarily expensive for drugs that lots of people need access to”. However, as a requirement for her veterinary work abroad she explained that regardless of their price “I’ll always pay for them if they allow me to do the work

– “the price won’t put me off travelling! Not just to be able to travel, but to be able to stay healthy while I’m there - it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

One student traveller recently returned from Malaysia also told Impact that her vaccinations “were extremely expensive, but for me they’re worth it due to the peace of mind they give you and your family.

I got the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination not knowing whether or not I would be spending time in rural areas and paddy fields, so when I ended up in places like that, I knew I didn't have to worry about getting the disease. It meant that my parents also had one less thing to worry about with me travelling to the other side of the world. You don’t want to spend loads of time and money planning an amazing holiday, only to catch a disease that means you have to spend your beach days in a foreign hospital being treated for something that was easily preventable.”

So, does the price of travel vaccinations put you off journeying to certain places? Or would you spare no expense (if you can afford to) to visit where you want, whatever the cost of your health? Let us know!

Francesca Hadland

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THE SECRET LIFE OF A COMMUTING STUDENT Amongst the student population are those fleeting figures you know from classes, who vanish off campus to catch trains, buses or drive back home…but what is it really like to commute to university?

U

nderstandably, many people tell me I’m missing out on university life. However, commuting isn’t necessarily more isolated or a less fulfilling university experience than moving away from home.

“I think the belief For several personal and that we’re missing economic reasons, I feel more comfortable with staying at out and not social-home and travelling to universiising is a matter ofty. My intention to go to univerperspective” sity has always been driven by

my desire to pursue my passion in English with Creative Writing. Therefore, I focus on university as an academic investment rather than feeling like I’ve missed out on moving away from home.

Of course, the experience of commuting also depends on where you’re travelling from. For students who already live in Nottingham, going out with university friends is less difficult. Other commuting students come from neighbouring cities, “Forgive the shameless like myself, or further plug - joining Impact afield - I’ve heard of a has been fantastic as a student commuting from Lincoln. commuting student” Whilst it can be harder to go on nights out as a commuting student, I think the belief that we’re missing out and not socialising is a matter of perspective. Commuting allows me to create a balance between university study and my home life, as going to university has the timing of a 9-5 job. I spend my time on campus studying - when I get home I can leave my studies behind and spend my time at home relaxing.

Although hearing my peers discuss life in student hous-

ing or nights out in Nottingham can create an isolating sense of disconnection from standard university life, I’ve found like-minded people on my course or in societies.

My time on campus is filled with Impact meetings, part time work for the university and study sessions with course friends, so I feel involved in university life. Forgive the shameless plug - joining Impact has been fantastic as a commuting student as section meetings held during the day help me spend time with people outside my course.

“The train journey is

As someone who an opportunity to read isn’t a fan of nights library books or review out, missing those lecture notes and take doesn’t bother me as a moment to be mindful much. Having made as I look out the window friends in halls during first year and on at Attenborough nature my course, I have a reserve” network of friends on campus to meet up with between lectures. I have several friends in my hometown who I regularly meet up with.

Living at home means I can be involved in university opportunities alongside local events from volunteering at the Derby book festival to attending Derby and Nottingham poetry festivals.

That’s not to say commuting is an easier option. Traveling to and from university is tiring. Yet, the train journey is also an opportunity to read library books or review lecture notes and take a moment to be mindful as I look out the window at Attenborough nature reserve. Ultimately, commuting doesn’t detract from my experience and can offer the best of both worlds: home and university life.

Lauren Winson

IImage courtesy of Flickr

SCIENCE

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IMPACT

SHELF HELP:

Why Are Self-Help Books Growing in Popularity?

Fatima explores the recent trend in self-help books and whether these books can benefit their readers.

Books are read for a million reasons. Some for academic research, some to ignite excitement by immersing yourself in a crime thriller or romantic novel.

You can escape, be part of an imagined world, live multiple lives through your own life. It’s like a jackpot, and more often than not, these books come down to escapism. But what happens when people become proactive and take their lives into their own hands rather than immerse themselves in make believe?

We have a rise in self-help books.

A

lthough the first self-help book was released by Samuel Smiles all the way back in 1859, it’s only recently they’ve gained in popularity. There are various factors that contribute to this: an embracive discussion about mental health, a fast paced life that pitches us in competition against one another, making us eager to grab the help we can find to better ourselves, and the simple idea that we all need help.

“The self-help genre Moreover, celebrities - who are huge influencers in their own right has turned into an in- have given their stamp of approval to self-help books. This behavioural trend stems from a synergistic attitude in one’s career- it’s not dustry worth 13 billion just about being an actress, it’s about being an all-encompassing dollars by 2022” brand. We are intricately tied to one another’s lives, more than we ever have been before.

This sense of openness leads to sharing intimate details, especially once-cringedupon dialogues on self-improvement. The changing lifestyle factors in our current decade have culminated in the rise of self-help books. But the question is what do we make of this rise?

“The changing lifestyle factors in our current decade have culminated in the rise of self-help books”

Fatema Valikarimwala

Image courtesy of Pixabay

According to Medium, the self-help genre will be an industry worth 13 billion dollars by 2022. This 13 billion raises questions on the authenticity of self-help books- are they now a money milking strategy, a form of self-promotion to claim fame?

But along with these questions come problems. The popularity and wide-spread fame of self-help books renounces the wisdom in these books as just golden words. What if these golden words of wisdom are right but not right for you? As a reader of self-help books myself, some have accomplished the opposite for me, because everyone is different, and everyone needs different help.

Although we have a rise in self-help books, we need to be aware of what kind of self-help we need to truly help ourselves. There are self-help books that focuses on laws of attraction, self-help that puts the writer’s life stories on display, or self-help that promotes anti self-help by asking you to embrace your mediocrity. With the rise of self-help books, narratives are changing as the horizon of self-help widens.

But what matters is that there is a discussion and provision of help that’s been long pending.

ARTS

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A BOOK-LOVER’S

Myron explores Nottingham’s independent bookshops, interviewing Five Leaves and Ideas on Paper about what they bring to the community.

PARADISE:

Nottingham’s Indie Bookshops On today’s uncertain high streets, Nottingham is lucky to boast unique independent booksellers.

To find out what they can offer the local community, I reached out to Five Leaves and Ideas on Paper.

“

The way both sellers operate shows a strong set of principles

”

“

Five Leaves seems like a beacon for the community to meet and connect

”

“The way both sellers operate shows a strong set of principles”

Five Leaves is a charming bookshop tucked away in an alley off Market Square. A self-professed radical bookshop, it’s clear Five Leaves’ political views are something they are proud to show. Speaking to Ross Bradshaw, he said the shop’s “two strongest [traits] are politics (and by that we mean left-wing politics and green politics) and poetry”.

Ideas on Paper, a sleek upstart in its own snug corner of town, is further up the road on Pelham Street. The founder, Alex Smith, personally curates his collection and provides “a service whereby people visit the shop, they tell me what they’re thinking about and working on at the moment; I then sell them something that [...] helps them on their way with that journey”.

Refreshingly, the way both sellers operate shows a strong set of principles. According to Ross, the folks at Five Leaves are “quite content with people finding their way to us [...] we don’t have to sell the books we don’t want to”.

Those at the shop see it as an “open, democratic space”, and I think this takes it beyond an ordinary business.

Ideas on Paper want to be a “catalyst for other people to explore and develop their own ideas” and “there isn’t really a subject [they] don’t cover”. The breadth of content works well with an owner who tends to each customer individually. Five Leaves are special due to the number of events they hold, intended for the local community and beyond. Running over a hundred a year, they “try to bring in as many people as possible from different points of view”, and recently welcomed Jess Phillips MP. From poetry readings to discussion groups, Five Leaves seems like a beacon for the community to meet and connect.

And when I say community, that’s not just Nottingham, that’s global. When I asked Ross about the people their gatherings attract, he said that “guests can come from all over Britain, and sometimes there’ll be people from other countries who are on tour”. At Ideas on Paper, Alex also identified a “new generation of independent bookshops”, quoting examples across Europe that he can form new connections with, thanks to the “wonderful technology” of social media.

Nottingham certainly has an invaluable indie bookshop scene at its heart. There are great places to get involved in the community, pursue your interests, and for people of all backgrounds and identities to safely share their ideas. If any of the bookshops’ specialisms or events speak to you then be sure to check them out.

Images by Nina Shasha

Myron Winter-Brownhill

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IMPACT

Phoebe explores the root of our love for the conflicted and tormented artist.

F

or decades the world has witnessed the fall of great talent at the hands of substance abuse, stemming from a variety of health issues. Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Lil Peep, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the list is ever-growing. Going steadily back “The image of years, the history the rebellious, of drug controversial abuse hit peaks in times such as musician is the the drug-induced cornerstone to psychedelic rock many musical movement and even the genres” romantic period of the 18th/19th centuries. Many of us will most likely joyfully have sung the words to Winehouse’s “Rehab” or idolised Elvis as the “King of Rock and Roll”, perhaps without considering the true and tragic extent of their history with substance abuse.

The image of the rebellious, controversial musician is the cornerstone to many musical genres, particularly those with anti-establishment sentiment. Such an image hit its true height in the iconised phrase “Sex, Drugs and Rock and

Roll”, the three things considered interdependent to become a “true Rockstar”. It is an image that has drawn fans to the troubled artist for years; we revel at the gothic poems of Edgar Allan Poe just as we scream over Kurt Cobain, it is the love of the tortured soul in all its mystery and tragedy. Such is a common thread, the love of troubled artists, perhaps in a yearning to help them, perhaps in the resonation with their art.

Whatever it is, it needs to be considered that both poet and musician abused substances to their extreme, an endeavour which proved heartbreakingly fatal. And yet, in their life they are seen as idols and in their loss their popularity increases, a nostalgia surrounds them, and the past of dangerous abuses and fatal habits is perhaps lost in the perspective of rose-tinted glasses. Thus, we must ask ourselves this; is this our own desires which cause us to exalt the beloved musician?

Perhaps it is, with concepts such as the “27 club” (artists who died aged 27), a name which almost glamorises the live-fast-die-young phenomena of the music industry, setting this out to be an elite group of lionised artists rather than the troubled people they were. At the root of it all is the need to

acknowledge that celebrities are human, with human bodies and human addictions and human mortality, and, whilst the music they create has caused lasting impact on the “In idolising world, one must these people consider the we may also base human fact. It is a be heralding heart-breaking everything and distressing about them” fact, but nonetheless must be addressed that in idolising these people we may also be heralding everything about them, including the unhealthy paths they have taken in life, be they of their own accord or stemmed from improper help with other health issues. This is not to say their music is not worth listening to or their achievements not worthy of recognition, it is more to address the contexts of these musicians and working to help stop this tide of premature deaths and the glamorising of substance abuse.

If you need support with any of the issues mentioned above: Talk to Frank: 0300 123 66 00 Mind: 0300 123 3393 Help Musicians UK: 020 7239 9100

Phoebe Raine

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons via Google Images

Why the Image of the Troubled Artist Resonates with us

FILM & TV

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METHOD ACTING: Is it Worth the Risk?

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Annabel deconstructs the controversial process of method acting and it’s effect on performers.

Is there method in the madness, or are they just mad?

For years, method acting has been one of the most controversial yet revered techniques implemented by actors in order to become a character and give the most believable performance they can. First influenced by Polish actor Lee Strasberg, this style of acting involves actors attempting to understand their character by truly inhabiting their roles, both “Is losing a drastic physically and emoamount of weight and tionally, as opposed to just saying their lines punishing your body worth achieving a be- whenthe cameras are rolling.

lievable character?”

Based on the fact that numerous actors have won prestigious awards for their adoption of this method in their work, such as Daniel day Lewis in Lincoln (2012) and Natalie Portman in Black Swan (2010), many would agree that it has been a successful way for actors to obtain respect within the acting community. However, whilst admired, this technique can at times have detrimental impacts on the actors themselves – which begs the question, should it be used at all?

One way in which method acting has been known to negatively impact actors is through their mental health.

In cases such as this, understanding and feeling a deep connection to what a character is going through on screen can cause emotional trauma and alter an actor’s behaviour. A prime example of such is Heath Ledger’s performance of the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008).

Ledger went to extreme lengths to better understand the character including locking himself in his apartment for a month and only sleeping for two hours a night.

With measures such as this to assume the role of a “One way in which psychopath, many blamed method acting has the exhaustion and inbeen known to negasomnia this caused on his tively impact actors eventual untimely death is through their menfrom prescription drug overdose before the film tal health.” was released. Furthermore, in the recent Joker (2019) film, Joaquin Phoenix appears to have adopted similarly extreme techniques to become the character such as losing three and a half stone to give him a dangerously emaciated look. While some would call this dedication, the star has prompted concerned criticism that his method acting has crossed a line.

Heath Ledger posthumously secured an academy award for his portrayal of the Joker, and Joaquin Phoenix appears to be following in his footsteps as he has secured much critical acclaim for his performance already. However, as Robert de Niro showed in Taxi Driver (1977), it is possible to use method acting in a less extreme way and still receive acclaim. Prior to production, he assumed the role of an actual taxi driver in New York to help him prepare for the role.

The question therefore, is whether method acting is worth it for the psychological toll it takes on the actors who choose to undertake it. Is losing a drastic amount of weight and punishing your body worth achieving a believable character? And, more importantly, should we condone the practice of method acting when it could negatively affect the mental wellbeing of a new generation of actors?

Annabel D’Monte Design by Annabel D’Monte

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Image courtesy of Flickr Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

A CINEMATIC HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH

Image courtesy of Flickr

Termeh delves into the varying portrayals of mental health issues on-screen

T

FILM & TV he presentation of mental health in film and television has always been an interesting subject of discussion. So let’s have one.

The public’s perception of mental health is arguably coloured by what they see in the media. And, in the case of this article, through the silver screen. The following are examples of creative projects that tackle issues of mental health, for better or for worse.

“[Silver Linings Playbook] David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook shows the character’s takes an interesting struggle with mental approach in depicting health and how this im- bipolar disorder and pacts his day-to-day life.”chronic depression.

Most movies solely focus upon the characters’ manic state - instantly presenting them as a menacing presence. However, Playbook jumps in and out of this state from the very beginning to show the character’s struggle with mental health and how this impacts his day-to-day life.

The story begins with a man named Pat Solitano who has just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital and lives with his parents. He has lost his job and his wife, with his aim to win her back and put his life back together. Things take a turn as he meets a woman named Tiffany Maxwell who suffers from chronic depression. She promises Pat to help him win his wife back if he enters the dance competition with her.

This becomes a really simple plot with an expected ending but what makes this movie a masterpiece is its concern with Pat and Tiffany’s transformation – depicting their breakdowns, increased adherence to medical treatments and their reactions to negative social support.

“[Black Swan] does a fantastic job at portraying the struggle with severe psychological illness in the genre of thriller.”

Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan takes a different approach to Silver Linings Playbook. The film falls into the psycho-drama category, which follows the journey of a fragile and repressed ballerina called Nina Sayers who strives to play a part in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake – a role that requires her to play both the gentle white swan and seductive black swan. In the process, she’s pushed to embrace her darker side to please her sexually aggressive and demanding director. Her metamorphosis is so complete, that Nina’s hallucinations drive her to believe she’s transforming into a black swan. In these hallucinations, she sees a black-clad version of herself across the subway platform and again in the maze of hallways at Lincoln Centre, which start to trigger more outbursts that lead to her metamorphosis. This approach takes on a more dramatic representation of psychosis but looks at the triggers that can cause it such as schizophrenia.

Despite all the criticism about how all these symptoms cannot coexist in one person, the movie still does a fantastic job at portraying the struggle with severe psycho-

49

logical illness in the genre of thriller.

Aside from Black Swan and Silver Linings Playbook, that are aimed at an older and more mature audience, the adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower speaks to a teenage audience who are still struggling to figure out their place in the world. The Perks of Being a Wallflower begins as the protagonist, Charlie, starts his first year of high school. He’s dealing with the suicide of his closest friend, Michael, and the lingering feeling of guilt over the death of his aunt.

Prone to depression, “To a younger audience Charlie struggles [The Perks of Being a to find friends and Wallflower] acts as a make genuine human warning to harmful and connections. The film conveys the ways dangerous coping methsome teenagers cope ods that can negatively with their own pain impact mental health. and suffering through smoking, drinking and using drugs. Charlie displays alterations in activity including anger outbursts and exaggerated startle response. PTSD is a chronic and debilitating disorder which may be associated with excessive substance use. Throughout the movie, we see Charlie experiment with a variety of drugs. Charlie is treated with psychotherapy at the end of the movie, leading him to regain control over his life. This movie might seem like an extreme representation of depression, but to a younger audience it acts as a warning to harmful and dangerous coping methods that can negatively impact mental health.

Despite the success“The adaptation of The ful representation of Perks of Being a Wallmental health in the flower speaks to a teenmovies mentioned age audience who are still above, the Netflix series 13 Reasons struggling to figure out Why, adapted by Jay their place in the world.”

Asher’s novel, depicts a revenge fantasy that dramatises suicide and fails to set out a realistic representation of depression. 13 Reasons Why is about a teenager called Hannah Baker who takes her own life. She leaves behind a set of cassette tapes, each addressed to a different person in her life, detailing how they hurt her and contributed to her death.

The series depicts suicide as a reasonable response to challenges people might experience in life, which can have a very negative influence on the young audience viewing the show as it also normalises suicidal thoughts.

In contrast, the subsequent two seasons have routinely missed the aim of the show, depicting adolescence as a time of cloying sweetness and unbearable cruelty. In the recently released third season, it continues to traffic in cliché, presenting a teen drama that is like a soap opera.

However, there are also many critics that praise 13 Reasons Why as it doesn’t glorify suicide and deals with its aftermath and its effects on the people around Hannah.

For more information on suicide prevention, visit www. nspa.org.uk.

Termeh Mousavian

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DRAGON SLAYING:

HOW RPGs CAN HELP YOU FIGHT YOUR DEMONS With RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons in the spotlight again, Gareth explains why it’s time to let go of the stereotypes around them: Tabletop can help you too.

“Greetings fair adventurer, to a tale of bravery and wonder where you, and your band of heroes shall take up sword and spell against the evils that plague the land.”

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Now I feel some clarification is needed here; this article is not a short adventure into Middle Earth, nor is it an attempt to fulfil a terrible stereotype of what Dungeons and Dragons players are like.

It is, in fact an attempt to present the positives of group gaming, whether that be a tabletop dungeon or a board game about rebuilding mars.

Such activities have grown large in the public psyche again through the lamentable Big Bang Theory or the laudable Stranger Things, as well as innumerable YouTube videos starring celebrities from TV and cinema. The act of coming together to play games and tell stories through them continues to grow.

In fact, Nottingham is home to both the Dice Cup and Ludorati, who offer games to play and space to play them in – as well as sustenance for longer

“74% [of students] suffer from a mix of depression, anxiety and isolation” sessions (some call it coffee, others mana, we don’t judge).

“That’s great,” I hear you say, “but what does it have to do with me?” An excellent question with a simple answer. Playing makes you feel better.

Let’s look at the stats (no, not for that magic sword, you eager adventurer you). The YouGov website says that one in four students suffer from mental health problems and that number is rising. Of the reported issues, 74% suffer from a mix of depression, anxiety and isolation.

This growing epidemic needs careful and robust solutions.

NHS website ‘Moodzone’ has several links to help you deal with these issues while

seeking support, and they often recommend group activity. So, we offer you board games, tabletop roleplay; an infinite number of universes for you and your friends to charge into and alleviate the stress of university for a few hours.

Your choices are limitless, there’s a game for everyone: Believe me, I was rolling dice before comic-book movies were cool and connecting with others through gaming – opening up, sharing your worries - helps you realise that you aren’t alone. It’s not “It’s not just just monmonsters we can sters we can slay together. slay together” Roleplaying and board games have always brought together those on the fringes of popular social groups, the stereotype of odd kids rolling dice in a classroom at lunchtime was born out of needing a safe place amongst the difficulty of not being ‘popular’. But I’m saying that the universal positives of social gaming apply to everyone, no matter where you ‘fit in’.

Talking, relaxing, sharing joy and snacks leads to a better mental state and a group of friends who support each other through difficult times, whether that’s coming together to defeat an evil wizard or being there when you feel lonely and need someone to reach out to.

Grab some friends and give it a go, sharpen those swords and dust off those dice, I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

Gareth Holmes

GAMING

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GAMING AND WELLBEING Videogames aren’t known for promoting their players’ health, and the moral panic around their influence is at an all-time high. But there is another side to this story.

Gaming gets a bad rep for degrading players’ health. You all know the stereotypes, the Mountain Dew Dorito-guzzling neckbeard who doesn’t have the strength to leave his mother’s basement.

Then the World Health Organisation classified ‘Gaming Disorder’ as a legitimate psychological condition, amidst a fresh wave of politicians blaming violent games for domestic terrorism in the same breath as mental illness.

Not a great look. In fact, several psychologists wrote papers outlining concerns about vocational gaming being mislabelled as Gaming Disorder. The WHO specifies the addiction must cause ’significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning’, but diagnosis and treatment methods are sketchy – which is why the American Psychiatric Association labelled their similar Internet Gaming Disorder as needing further research.

Now games are embracing their links to mental health: Indie darlings like Celeste, Gris and Limbo are nuanced, interactive metaphors for anxiety, depression and grief. Such deep subtext is entering the mainstream, too: This year’s Sea of Solitude, where you literally fight your inner demons, was published by EA, the mega-corporation behind Fifa and Battlefield.

“Mental health is becoming a more central narrative in our culture,” Eve Crevoshay, executive director of non-profit Take This, explained to the New York Times earlier this year. Take This was founded to advise game developers on portraying mental health after the suicide of a games journalist. Professionals are more aware of the issue now than ever.

Games don’t even have to be about mental health to help you through your problems. Their interactivity makes games “more effective” for “bouncing back from negative moods than passive forms of media,” said one mental health professional working with Take This. A GameSoc member agreed gaming was “an easy distraction that I couldn’t divert from in the same way you can whilst reading or watching things.”

For example, 2016’s Stardew Valley is simply about maintaining a run-down farm, but it’s relaxed pace and lack of punishment for failure comforted hundreds of “Dance Dance Revolution players who reached out to developer Eric Barone with thanks.

Now games are being developed specifically to promote mental health: Orpheus is used in PE Self Care Entertainment publishes VR games that use colour, movement and lessons” dance to promote mindfulness and meditation.

Then there’s the Games for Health Project, founded in 2004 to bring together health and gaming professionals to advance games’ role in healthcare. Speakers interrogate how simulators can be used to train surgeons, how Dance Dance Revolution is used in PE lessons in West Virginia, or how a Wii balance board could help stroke victims regain their balance “as well as an $18,000 piece of equipment.”

But even forgetting all these medical applications, gaming can help you too, as it has one GameSoc member who confessed gaming “fought the lethargy of depression and the panic of anxiety all at once”, particularly highlighting Minecraft: “It was calming and meditative, but also I couldn’t get distracted or all my hard work would be blown up by a walking green phallic menace.”

I think we could all use a little more of that in our lives.

For further support, visit www.samaritans.org or call 116 123.

“Games are embracing their links with mental health”

Image courtesy of Flickr

Jack Richardson

52

IMPACT

Illustration by Tahira Rowe

THE PERILS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN HYPER-MASCULINE SPORTS

Image courtesy of staboslaw via Needpix.com

Callum looks at the particular issues around mental health that arise in sports with higher expectations of masculinity For many who watch him fight, Tyson Fury is a complicated figure. On the one hand, you have a man who has said some reprehensible things, and on the other, a full-throated advocate on mental health issues in one of the most hypermasculine mainstream sports. The issues we have with masculinity and mental health problems are relatively well known at this point in time, what is less considered is how these can manifest in areas with expectations of supreme masculinity like in combat or heavy contact sports.

“The natural ups and downs in fortunes of a sporting career will therefore carry a greater weight.�

Even before getting into the specific ways that these masculine expectations mix with the realities of these sports, the way that competition works in combat sports increases the burden on fighters. These are people that can have their entire self image dependent on the result of their last fight, where there will be, at the

very least, a wait of a few months before they can compete again.

That means that during this period they are particularly susceptible to issues relating to depression. It also means that, going into competition, they are increasingly susceptible to feelings of anxiety as the result is so important. Even in contact sports where there is more physical punishment, and, by extension, expectations of hypermasculinity (such as American football or rugby), the seasons are often abbreviated causing any disappointments to potentially affect participants over a longer period.

When the ideals of masculinity are already potentially harmful to

SPORT

mental health, the extension of them to this degree makes these issues so much worse. In addition to a lack of mental health resources in certain sports, if team culture is hostile to dealing with mental health issues then any effort on the athletes part to overcome these ideals is completely negated. It then takes a greater degree of self-confidence to stay in an environment where hypermasculinity is the expectation from your organisation, your peers and the fans. You can see this in cases where someone is interested in the arts or some other less traditionally masculine pursuit. These players or fighters will be ostracised or peppered with gendered insults. This comes from both inside the sport and out, creating further potential mental health issues which can’t be addressed due to the need for conformity.

Heightened expectations to perform masculinity then create vulnerabilities to certain mental health issues: issues that can cause harm to themselves or even to others. If a fighter loses a bout, then most of the time they will not be able to openly process their feelings as the expectation is that they will pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and get back in there. This is often accompanied by the typical cries to “man up”. You can see this in Daniel Cormier’s tearful reaction after losing to his archrival Jon Jones: he was pilloried for his reaction to losing to the only man to beat him in a cage. The image was made into a meme to infantilize and belittle him for a human reaction to losing a hugely important title fight. When these are the reactions to those at the top of the sport, those further down the chain internalise these pressures, which can prove more harmful to mental health and, to an extent, their careers. If vulnerability is not allowed, then participants from troubled backgrounds may never be able to process this, exacerbating these issues as well as any others that may crop up. The natural ups and downs in fortunes of a sporting career will therefore carry a greater weight.

You can see a degree of separation created by some through the deployment of personas when it comes to fight promotion or the general behaviour surrounding their contests. Some of these, such as with the more recent adoption of a new attitude whole cloth for Colby Covington in the UFC, are more obvious and fully created to promote, whilst with others you see a degree of turning their personalities up a notch in order to create interest like

53 the aforementioned Fury. This addition of another layer between the man and the fighter has the effect of creating another figure to soak up external pressures and criticisms. This enables the athlete to process their feelings to some degree, in private. Typically these personas are more actively masculine than the fighter at their core; the persona created to sell tick“Athletes will ets,

bury their feelings deeper and for longer”

showing the attitudes that fans have towards fighter behaviour.

What can happen when things break down is where major issues for the athlete’s health can be created. The expectations of hypermasculinity can lead to poisonous fan behaviour towards female fans and fighters more generally, or lead to a stronger atmosphere of toxic masculinity in training areas. If a fighter, American football player or a rugby player begins to have an issue with their mental health, whether caused by the expectations of masculinity or through the course of their careers and personal lives, then they will not be able to address it quickly. If the standard masculine impulse is to bury feelings and “man up” until the problem can no longer be avoided, then these athletes will bury their feelings deeper and for longer. This is how you get scenarios where a champion boxer uses drugs and alcohol in order to combat their depression instead of seeking any help, and other sportsmen create hard divisions in their lives between the personal and professional in order to maintain the facade of functional male life.

For help on any issues raised, visit www.thecalmzone.net.

Callum McPhail

54

IMPACT

FANDOM AND WELL BEING:

The Pros and Cons Impact explores the benefits and drawbacks of being a fan of a team

Illustration by Katherine Gomes

Investing emotional energy into the team of your choosing can work as both a positive and a negative for your overall well being. For better or worse, placing your emotions in the hands of an external force leaves you at the mercy of that force when it comes to your happiness.

“Everything could be falling apart but your side can pick you up”

PROS

Being a fan of a team gives you something that can distract you or uplift you from issues that you may be having in your own life.

Everything could be falling apart but your side can pick you up with an important win or a run of form.

You can actively distract yourself from problems out of your control through talking to your fellow fans about your team and their successes or problems. By the same token, becoming part of a group gives you a support network and a natural bridge to others. This group can be by choice, if it is a sport or league that is non-local, in which case it is the family that you choose, or it can be a way to stay connected with where you are from, no matter how far away you may end up.

This group attachment gives you support, distraction or whatever you might need in any given moment.

CONS

On the flipside, this investment in something outside “That result can of yourself can do harm to your state of mind. If have an outsized you’re particularly invested in a given fixture, then impact on the that result can impact your whole day or week. This whole of your external force that you cannot change is able to day” take what is otherwise a happy time and leave you a nervous wreck or fuming with anger. The potential impact of your team can extend over longer time periods, and pile onto a negative period or drag down a positive one. Having a high level of investment in your team can even have a negative impact on your relationships. If you are someone who has extreme ups and downs depending on results, that makes you a tough person to be around for those who aren’t as invested, if at all. Not giving your partner sufficient attention or more specifically letting your negative reactions be carried over to this part of your life can really have an impact on these relationships and create a more isolated world for yourself. All of this investment can also lead to toxic behaviour towards strangers which then spreads.

The most important thing when it comes to the impact of fandom is that it has an impact that is out of your control, for better or worse. When you are putting yourself into a position where this team can affect your wellbeing to any real degree then you are at the mercy of those fluctuations in fortune and how they relate to your state.

Callum McPhail

SPORT

THE IMPACT OF FAILURE IN SPORT Ben looks into how failing in sporting endeavours can improve things in the long term

“

P

erfection in sports rarely exists: whether you’re just playing for fun with your friends or playing at the highest level, failure in sports is almost inevitable but more often than not, what separates the greats from the rest is how you deal with failure and how you react. Missing a penalty in the last minute of the game, losing the biggest tennis match of your career or messing up a free throw to tie the game are all examples of the lowest points for some athletes.

Of course, some failures are easier to deal with than others. An athlete who has spent the best part of 4 years preparing for a competition that only happens quadrennially might take defeat a lot tougher than someone who only participates to keep fit. The agony of missing out on a podium finish at the Olympics can lead to a loss of funding, a damaged reputation and a lot more

which makes the pain of failing even worse.

For everyone, failure could either be this terrible, career ending occurrence which prevents you from ever wanting to partake in the craziness that is competitive sports or it could lead you to never fearing it and perhaps craving competition even more. However, this is only afforded to those who choose to use failure and pain wisely, by understanding why they failed, analysing it and pushing to be better. Once failure happens, you must allocate a certain amount of time to grieve and allow yourself to feel all the emotions. After that period, you must be geared towards taking the positives and understanding what happened.

If that is done well, you’ll want and pursue success more than you did before, you’ll crave it desperately and this is where failure turns into a rousing motivator.

You’ll be working much harder and dedicating more time than ever

“

The failure should have brought you to the point of seeking any means to ensure it doesn’t occur again

”

Some failures are easier to deal with than others

”

55

because in that moment, that’s all that matters to you. This could extend to you re-evaluating how you approach this sport, perhaps deciding to try a different tactic or even make a dietary change. Whatever it is, the most important thing is that the failure should have brought you to the point of seeking any means to ensure it doesn’t occur again.

Mentally, you are a much stronger person than the version of yourself pre-failure. After you fail once, the mental toughness you build up soon after ensures that you’re going to be a lot less scared to fail again. Being able to bounce back also takes a certain level of self-confidence and belief that all of the greatest athletes always have. It’s a lot harder to get people to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Self-belief will always take a hit after failure and it’s absolutely normal to doubt yourself but in the end, when you take on to that field again, you must go in brand new and unabated.

Ben Ofungwu

56

IMPACT

HOW WE CAN TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN SPORT Callum explores how the issues we have in our discussions away from the pitch can create and exacerbate mental health problems

W

hilst on the one hand, a lot of the ways we fail at talking about mental health conditions and problems in sport is reflective of our general issues in this area, you also have some facets that are unique to this particular environment. We dehumanise our sporting heroes, and our relationship with money leaves them in a no-win situation emotionally. This means that progress within the field can only go so far. Even if teams become more accepting of the fact that their players are fully rounded humans with lives away from their sports, if we as fans still fall short in our attitudes then problems will still be created.

D E H U M A N I S AT I O N

In part due to the rise of fantasy sports and games that put you in the role of a coach or manager, we increasingly view players as abstract assets to be plugged, played and traded. This, alongside develop-

ments like the increasing disconnect with non-local players, means that we don’t think about sportsmen as people. When you don’t think of someone as a person, you don’t consider that they may have issues in their personal lives or that it might not be run of the mill. People take time to adjust to changes in scenery, their personal lives affect their professional lives, and they can deal with mental health conditions in different ways to different effects. We don’t view these issues as legitimate when it comes to sports, even if we do when it comes to those we know.

Just because someone is playing a game doesn’t mean it’s not a job.

They can be far from home, unable to speak the language, with workplace conflicts like anyone else.

M O N E Y A S S L AV E

The thought process for a lot of fans is that if you are earning a certain amount, that should be able to make

up for any difficulties. As more money comes into sports, this extends further. Just because you earn a certain amount doesn’t mean you can’t have some of the same struggles mentally. Money will not save you from abuse at your place of work.

If you take away sports people's wages, their problems would still be problems. Being able to spend some money on something new or to go on a big night out will be able to help in the moment, but won’t be able to make your issues go away.

This all only gets exacerbated when these are people playing a game as opposed to “real” work. If you are injured and therefore can’t even do that, it can be a really dark time for you. This is particularly the case if it is viewed as a “soft” injury. A muscle strain is just as legitimate as a broken bone. These times out injured are when you are most at risk. You cannot act upon what gives you your identity, receiving criticism

57

SPORT

“

“

We increasingly view [sports] players as abstract assets to be plugged, played and traded

”

Illustration by Katherine Gomes

Just because someone is playing a game doesn’t mean it’s not a job

”

from the outside due to something you can’t control, becoming isolated from your colleagues. That you are being paid a lot of money to suffer this isolation and rehab doesn’t mean that you aren’t going through anything.

VISIBILITY

Because we only see these people when they are competing, we only think of them in that regard. You can see this dynamic whenever any of them makes any sort of statement or posts on social media about anything other than their sport. A lot of this comes down to visibility.

On the one hand, we only really see sportspeople in play, on the other we are now able to see the rest of their lives more than we ever could in the past with the rise of social media. We don’t see the players in the exact times when they would be most likely to be having difficulties.

We are also more likely to actual-

ly create these difficulties. Today’s athletes dedicate more time and effort than ever towards training and improving at their profession, now it is just possible to see when they are not. In the “good old days”, if a player for your local football club was going out every day and drinking themselves into a stupor, the regulars where they went would know along with whoever they told.

Now if a player goes out with their friends to a club and doesn’t even drink the pictures will be all over social media in minutes. Now, even more productive uses of time are vilified like any sort of business interest or simply learning an instrument. When you only see someone competing and that is the totality of how you perceive them, any waking second spent not either competing or working to improve is an affront.

If anything, today’s sportspeople being more rounded individuals will make them better. Happy individu-

als without usage injuries who work smarter not harder will perform to a higher level as they are not bringing in external baggage and will be in a better place in the long run.

The most important thing is to remember it simply as a case of people doing a job. If you bear this in mind as a fan, so much changes for the better. Some people are exceptional, able to deal with any issues that may arise off the pitch.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t those who are still figuring things out, who play because it is what they are good at instead of for love, or who are having their personal lives collapsing around them. These individuals need, at the very least, to not be dehumanised, delegitimised and criticised for being people not robots.

Callum McPhail

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E D I TO R I A L Editor-in-Chief Print Editor

Katie Moncur James Hurman

DESIGN AND IMAGES Artistic Director Head of Illustrations Head of Images Associate Designers

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