Samarthia Thankappan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environment and Geography
Samarthia's journey has been focusing on people and planet.
While she has imbued and suffused the principles of sustainability, she has also been very passionate at understanding human behaviours in the context of how it affects sustainability.
Within her role as the Director of students at the Department of Environment and Geography, she works closely with students and their wellbeing issues.
email: samarthia.thankappan@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Samarthia:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
My direct association with mental health is through my scholarship work in student wellbeing, which has enabled me to understand common mental health challenges that students face, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and academic pressure. An indirect association is through my research interests in understanding how social and environmental factors influence sustainable behaviours. The same principles apply in investigating mental health behaviours, for example the impact of social support, stigma, workplace environments, and community resources on behaviour change.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
The most rewarding and inspiring aspect of my work in supporting student wellbeing is the opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of students, helping them navigate the challenges of youth and education with resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
While supporting student wellbeing and mental health is a rewarding undertaking, the field is fraught with various challenges and complexities. The most challenging aspect for me has been prevention versus intervention; striking the right balance between preventative measures and interventions for students who are already in crisis can be challenging. Preventing mental health issues is ideal, but resources are often directed toward addressing acute needs. Furthermore, since students come from various backgrounds and experiences, their mental health needs can vary significantly. Addressing the diverse needs of a student population can be challenging, as one approach may not fit all.
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
I see a range of impact in the support provided to students, the key being improved student wellbeing - it helps students better cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. More importantly it equips students with the tools to build resilience, which can have a lasting impact on their ability to overcome life's challenges and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Improved student wellbeing leads to enhanced academic performance. When students receive the support they need for their mental health, they are better equipped to focus on their studies and perform well academically. By promoting open conversations about mental health, the stigma surrounding mental health issues can be significantly reduced.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
One valuable piece of advice that I would like to share is to practice self-compassion. Be mindful, practice self-kindness, set realistic expectations and seek support.