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Initially feeling like an outsider, as a non-medical student with limited expertise in mental health, attending this public talk made me realise I was just like everyone else. We were all in awe of Dr Murthy's expertise, united in our struggles against feelings of loneliness, isolation, and the weight of low mood.ÌýÌý

The fireside chat at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ with DrÌýVivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, was a powerful exploration of youth well-being, spotlighting the pressing mental health crisis. Taking place at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøվ’s Sir David Davies Lecture Theatre on 19 March 2024, the hour-long session delved into Dr Murthy's personal journey and offered invaluable insights on loneliness and strategies for inner peace.ÌýÌý

Before the talk, there was a private roundtable to discuss mental health, particularly loneliness, and to share experiences. Seven students who are studying different subjects at different years at Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ were carefully chosen by the Students’ Union to participate. Selected based on academic involvement, they contributed to a rich conversation about this important issue.ÌýÌý

After 30 minutes of the roundtable, Mary McHarg, the president of Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøվ’s Students’ Union, welcomed DrÌýMurthy for the public talk. Mary emphasised that their discussion would focus on building relationships, which are crucial for addressing loneliness; and maintaining social connections for our overall well-being.ÌýÌý

At the start of the talk, DrÌýMurthy engaged the audience by asking who experiences loneliness, and over 90% of the audience raised their hand. This highlighted the prevalence of loneliness, echoing DrÌýMurthy's earlier remarks on mental health as the foremost health crisis in the US. DrÌýMurthy then emphasised that loneliness can eventually impact performance, engagement, and societal well-being.

So, here are Dr Murthy's key tips for tackling loneliness:ÌýÌý

1. Surround yourself with people: Being in the company of others can uplift your mood.ÌýÌý
2. Practise social interaction: Like hitting the gym, it may feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with time.ÌýÌý
3. Seek support: Open up to someone you trust, including professionals. By the way, Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ offers accessible well-being support for all students!ÌýÌý
4. Understand the root cause. In my personal experience, I recommend journaling.ÌýÌý

DrÌýMurthy shared stories from his youth when he struggled with social interactions and making friends. Recognising this, his parents encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone by knocking on neighbours' doors and initiating conversations with other children. Initially, he felt frustrated by this suggestion, but as he matured, he came to understand the value of taking risks and facing potential rejection. Importantly, he learned that amidst these challenges, there are always opportunities to find acceptance and form meaningful connections with others.ÌýÌýÌý

Then he shared this touching story with us: Once, two of his friends were driving together, and unfortunately, had a car accident where one of them passed away, the otherÌýsurvived. DrÌýMurthy's parents encouraged him to visit the survivor but he was not even close to this friend. They dropped him off at this friend's house, where they finally spent two hours together without mentioning the accident. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder of the impact of human connection and being there for one another in times of need.ÌýÌý

Near the end of the event, Mary asked DrÌýMurthy about three changes for a happier life, and here's his advice that you can implement daily:ÌýÌý

1. Spend 15 minutes daily reaching out to someone.ÌýÌý
2. Focus on the person you're with by putting away your phone and giving them your full attention.ÌýÌý
3. Do one small act of kindness, like checking on your surroundings or helping someone in need.ÌýÌý

The talk ended with Dr Murthy asking us to do the and students were asked to do the first challenge to reach out to someone and send them gratitude. After they were done, they were asked to light up their phone’s flashlight. As the room filled with the glow of phone lights, a sense of unity and connection permeated the space. Dr. Murthy encouraged everyone to continue spreading kindness and fostering meaningful connections, emphasizing the transformative power of simple gestures in combating loneliness and enhancing well-being.ÌýÌý

Participants also got the opportunity to take pictures with DrÌýMurthy and Mary once the session ended.ÌýÌý

This seminar has truly been a highlight for me among all the events held by Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾. The opportunity to meet DrÌýMurthy, someone whose work I deeply admired, was beyond my wildest dreams. And I hope, through sharing this experience, not only myself but also those who attended and you, dear reader, can find inspiration to prioritise your well-being.ÌýÌý

Remember, Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ offers a wealth of activities and resources to support us on this journey. Take a look at the Students and Support Wellbeing section, where they're currently running a campaign focusing on loneliness, isolation, and low mood.ÌýÌý

Plus, have you heard about dog therapy? It's one of my favourites –Ìýthose furry friends are simply adorable and can do wonders for lifting your spirits! Furthermore, as Mary highlighted during the talk, the provides a myriad of clubs and sports activities waiting for you to explore! So, let's take a moment to invest in our well-being andÌýmaybe evenÌýfind a new passion along the way.Ìý