Medical and nursing students ask each other R U OKAY?

Student groups at the University of Notre Dame Australia are putting the mental health of young people studying medicine and nursing front and centre by hosting an on-campus event for R U OKAY? Day.

Medical Association of Notre Dame University Sydney (MANDUS) president Thomas O’Donnell said R U OK? Day is a great way to reflect on and give an opportunity to people to think about their own mental health and that of those around them.

“If we can bring people together, and we can start the discussion about mental health, breaking down stigma, and breaking down the issues that get put away into the corner, then I think we can make a giant leap towards promoting mental health and making everyone feel a little bit better around campus because they know that there's support there if they need it," he said.

MANDUS, along with the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Nursing Society and the General Practice Students Network, have a range of activities planned for R U OKAY? Day, including free counselling, a massage station and art therapy.

O'Donnell said universities have a big role to play in supporting young people as they study to become healthcare professionals.

“I think that the universities can come out and have a strong stance on helping people, and offering counselling services, and being a part of the medical and nursing students’ journey into a really challenging profession.”

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