It’s back! MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS WEEK AT TRU. Stop by Student Street in Old Main on Thursday October 23 from 10:30am-2:30pm and check our out Mental Health Matters information booth and the much loved therapy dogs. Let’s take some time to acknowledge the importance of mental health, receive a relaxation pack and/or make a stress ball.
Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Many factors contribute to mental illness, including genetics, personality and environmental stressors. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about what mental illness is and how it can be treated.
Being in university isn’t easy; it involves major life changes and challenges as well as daily struggles. Assignments, projects, and exams can pile up pretty fast and before you know it, it can become too much. All students experience difficulties from time to time at school. While many students are able handle these concerns as they emerge, other students continue to struggle.
The mental health and well being of students is essential to their (our) success. Did you know TRU students participated in the National College Health Assessment in 2013, and data from this shows that 9% of TRU students surveyed were diagnosed or treated by a professional for depression in the last 12 months? Chances are you or someone you know is struggling or has struggled with mental illness. Please remember that many factors contribute to mental illness but, mental illness is treatable. If you are suffering, you are not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. The first step is talking to someone and asking for help, this can be scary but you don’t have to be afraid. The Counselling Department at TRU is full of resources that can help, call to make an appointment (250) 828-5023.
It is also very important to make sure that you are taking the time to take care of yourself. We know that getting enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise, socializing and practicing mindfulness all help create a balanced lifestyle. Check out the Wellness Centre website’s ‘Taste of Wellness’ tab, as is has audio and video recordings to help you breathe, stretch, and relax. The better you feel the better you will be able to cope with stress and succeed in school.
Let’s raise awareness and reduce the stigma about mental illness.
Sources
CACUSS (Canadian Association of College and University Student Services)
http://www.cacuss.ca/_Library/documents/PSSMH_Guide_To_Systemic_Approach_-_CACUSS-CMHA_-_2013.pdf
Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/
National Collage Health Assessment Survey 2013. Link available at http://www.tru.ca/wellness/events.html
