The “Your mind – your strength” campaign is an initiative aimed at the entire University of Warsaw community – students, doctoral students, and staff. Its goal is to promote mental health and well-being. The authors of the project remind us that each of us has an impact on our own well-being and inner balance, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
A change of environment, starting university, and the daily challenges of studying, working, and personal life can be difficult. The University of Warsaw has a Psychological Support Center (CPP) – a place that has been supporting members of the university community since 2018. Currently, 17 psychologists and three psychiatrists work at the Center, and the range of support services is constantly expanding.
As Mateusz Mossakowski, president of the University of Warsaw Student Council, emphasizes, adapting to a new environment can often be a big challenge: “Studying is a wonderful adventure; however, unexpected challenges may arise along the way. Remember that the University will not leave you alone. The Psychological Support Center offers free supportand consultations. Make us of what we have prepared for you.”
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Daily support
On the initiative of the Student Council, in cooperation with the Psychological Support Center, the University of Warsaw has launched, among other things, a helpline operating daily from 6 p.m. to midnight (outside the Center’s on-site opening). From January 1, a chat helpline will also be available for those who prefer online contact. These are further elements of the support system, thanks to which everyone can obtain help in a safe and discreet manner.
“It is impossible to learn, teach, or conduct research well without emotional stability and mental balance. Caring for mental well-being is just as important as scientific and educational development,” emphasizes Prof. Maciej Raś, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education at the University of Warsaw, adding: “The ‘Your Mind – Your Strength’ campaign, implemented with the support of the Polish Mutual Insurance Company, is another step towards building an academic environment in which mental well-being is a shared value that is genuinely supported.”
The CPP’s activities are part of a broader system of safety and support at the University of Warsaw. It also includes the Office for Persons with Disabilities, the University of Warsaw emergency hotline, and a website dedicated to safety, where you can find tips on how to respond in crisis situations – emotional, health-related, or situation involving physical threats. The website is available at: www.bezpieczenstwo.uw.edu.pl.
All members of the academic community – students, doctoral students, and employees of the University of Warsaw – can access suport from the UW Psychological Support Center and the helpline: +48 22 55 24 424.