In support of Samaritans Awareness Day on Thursday 24 July 2025, Dr Eniola Adeyemi, a doctoral alumna from Manchester Met, shares the importance of mental health support and the research findings from her doctoral degree.
As we approach Samaritans Awareness Day on July 24, we are reminded of the crucial role that listening, compassion, and accessible support play in protecting mental health. My research in psychology, focusing on mental toughness, emotional expressivity, and psychological well-being, provides evidence-based insights that closely align with the Samaritans’ mission to be there for anyone struggling to cope, 24/7.
Mental toughness is the capacity to persevere and adapt in the face of adversity. While it is often seen as an individual trait, my findings highlighted the relationship between mental toughness and psychological well-being. There was also a relationship between positive emotions and psychological well-being. Additionally, it was found that loving-kindness meditation plays a significant role in mental toughness, positive emotions and psychological well-being. These concepts improve mental health.
During my PhD, I experienced depression, which I was not initially aware of. I was able to come out of it by calling for help and having a good listener. Some organisations showed me compassion, including the Manchester Met counselling office and through their support, I was able to improve my mental wellness, which improved my mental health. Resilience is strengthened by community and connection. Knowing that support is available, such as the confidential, non-judgmental listening offered by the Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service with the help of an organisation like the Samaritans, empowers me to reach out, share my burdens, and recover more quickly from life’s setbacks. The ability to express my emotions positively, rather than suppressing them, also played a significant role in my recovery and overall mental health. I was also able to practice loving-kindness meditation with positive affirmation, which helped me to improve my well-being.
Positive emotions like hope, gratitude, and compassion are more than just fleeting feelings; they are essential for mental health. Acts of kindness, whether giving or receiving, generate positive emotions that buffer against stress and despair. Samaritans Awareness Day encourages us to talk, listen, and connect, simple actions that can spark hope and positivity in those who need it most.
One practice that can significantly boost positive emotion is loving-kindness meditation, which in turn enhances our psychological well-being. Practising loving-kindness meditation involves affirming positive things to oneself while engaging in a simple breathing exercise, such as breathing in, holding, and breathing out. This can be practised for five minutes every day until it becomes comfortable, then gradually increased to 30 minutes, depending on individual strength and routine.
The practice of loving-kindness meditation, combined with positive affirmations, greatly improved my mental health. Not only did I benefit personally, but I also received positive responses from participants who took part in loving-kindness meditation sessions during my research. This practice fostered a sense of connection, compassion, and emotional uplift for all who were involved.
Psychological well-being is about finding meaning, purpose, and fulfilment in life. My research shows that open conversations, supportive relationships, and inclusive communities are keys to fostering mental well-being. The Samaritans’ approach, being available to listen, day or night, reminds us that no one should face emotional pain alone, and that reaching out is a vital step toward healing.
Expressing our emotions positively is good for our mental well-being, which positively influences our mental health. Emotional expressivity, openly sharing and processing our feelings, helps reduce stress, deepens relationships, and creates space for support and understanding. When we express our emotions in healthy ways, we not only lighten our burdens but also encourage others to do the same.
Samaritans Awareness Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a movement to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that help is always available. By encouraging open conversations and emotional expressivity, and by supporting each other with kindness and understanding, we can all contribute to a world where no one feels alone in their struggles.
All doctoral students can access well-being support from our University, including a 24/7 well-being service. Please visit our website to find out more information. You can also access free support from Samaritans by calling 116 123, or visiting their website.
