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Felicia Schmid - wellbeing tip
05 May 2025

Helping others feels good!

Knowing that you are loved, valued and part of a social network, is an essential human need. Human beings are deeply interdependent : forging lasting and empathetic social ties is essential to our psychological and physical survival (Pereira et al., 2021 ; minds, 2024).
 

Social support influences our health and wellbeing : it helps to give meaning to our lives and brings out the best in everyone! In this sense, it is one of the most influential and remarkable determinants of our mental health. It has indeed many positive physiological and psychological effects, among which boosting our immune system, reducing stress and improving our ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle (minds, 2024).

Most interestingly, not only is perceived social support as received by others beneficial to mental health, but so is social support provided to others (Curry et al., 2018). A review of the scientific literature points out that there are three types of behaviours that promote good mental health : self-care, help-seeking and providing social support to others (Pereira & Dubath, 2022). Giving your time, showing kindness, altruism and solidarity not only strengthens your mental health but also triggers beneficial physical reactions.

Volunteering is a particular example of prosocial behaviour whose effects on wellbeing and mental health have been widely studied (Jenkinson et al., 2013).

In order to promote wellbeing through benefiting from and providing social support, students can enjoy a variety of activities organised at the Institute, such as the Buddy programme (aimed at connecting new students to 2nd year students, especially in the first few months of their arrival), the GISA Welfare Solidarity Programme (aimed at preventing isolation and connecting students) and the GISA Student initiatives (clubs or student organizations formed and coordinated by current students). 

We also strongly encourage students to explore resources available for students at UNIGE (sport, cultural, language exchange and interaction with the migrant population activities), as well as to break free from « the student bubble » and reach out to locals and migrants from different walks of life – this is the best way to make your experience of Geneva even more meaningful and an opportunity to develop your own personal bond with Switzerland and its people. Keep in mind that there are many locals and migrants that are willing to get to know you and that you also have a lot to offer to them!

Volunteering in Geneva festivals, participating in a listening circle, becoming a first aider, baby-sitting or tutoring for families living in Geneva, socializing with an elderly person around a free lunch, taking part in a hiking, gardening or language exchange activity with locals are all great ways to diversify your social circle. It can also contribute to helping you look at things from a distance and, most importantly, avoiding focusing all your energy comparing yourself to other fellow students, which can be very damaging to your mental health. 

REFERENCES  : 

RESSOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Geneva Graduate Institute Programmes : 

UNIGE Programmes : 

http://www.unige.ch/tandems/en/about/

GENEVA ASSOCIATIONS/PROGRAMMES : 

Listening circles are free, open, caring spaces where people can confide in each other and be listened to in complete safety. By listening unconditionally and without judgement, a real resonance is created between participants, bringing a deep sense of relief and wellbeing. These discussions are usually in French.

GENEVA VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES :