written by: Sharyse Wilson, 4th Year Nursing Student

Last week the Wellness Centre organized Mental Health Awareness Week. “Mental health” is a real buzz word at universities these days, why do you think that is?

Well, what we know is that universities can be high stress environments. Students are under a lot of stress and face many pressures as they navigate the education system. Many students are not ‘just  students’ but also hold down full or part-time jobs, have children, and/or care for aging parents. Many also experience financial stress because they have limited income and lots of bills to pay including tuition, student fees, rent, food, etc.

But what we also know is that when students are healthy and well, it promotes their academic and personal success. This what we want for all students, so mental health awareness becomes a big factor in helping to support students here at TRU.

What is mental health?
World Health Organization (2014) defines mental health to be the state of well-being. It is the component of ones psychological and emotional well-being. This includes coping with the normal stressors of life, being productive, and the ability to contribute.

Why is mental health so important?
Our well-being depends on our mental health, which encompasses how we feel, act, think, and interact. To have good mental health we need to deal appropriately with stressors and feel capable. This encompasses individually setting your own goals, determining your supports and discovering your strengths.

How to maintain a positive mental health?
Self esteem, positive support networks, building resiliency, and recognizing emotions are essential in maintaining positive mental health. Self esteem involves understanding your own abilities and self to gain confidence. Through increased confidence you should feel the ability to reach goals and aspirations. Good support systems can help you maintain your confidence. They can be influential in supporting and helping you to achieve a goal. To build a support network you need to reach out and build trust relationships with family, friends, co workers and other members of the community. To cope with stressors of everyday life we need resilience. This is the ability to problem solve, be assertive, maintain balance in life and choose our battles. Resiliency is the ability to analyze a situation, determine whether you are going to take action and if so how. Furthermore you need to recognize your emotions. We all experience a range of emotions whether it be throughout the month or even a day. It is essential that we are recognizing what we are feeling, why we are experiencing it and accepting them.

What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness encompasses a large range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive personalities.

How to support someone with a mental illness.
Knowing or taking care of someone with a mental health disorder can be challenging and frightening. It can be a new experience, might require time commitment, and you may lack supports and information to help assist you. It is vital that number one you take care of yourself. This involves accepting your own feelings, maintaining a support group, getting information and seeking help if needed. Support yourself with information about an individuals mental illness through health services and credible sources. Join a support group where you can share feelings, experiences and advise along with connecting with others who are experiencing similar situations as you. By maintain your own mental health you are able to help others with their mental illness. As a friend, family member, associate it is vital that you be present for the individual, don’t pass judgement and maintain open communication. Don’t try to “fix” but help them achieve their goals if necessary. And most importantly LISTEN.

Resources

TRU Campus

• TRU Wellness Centre – Health and Wellness Consultations, health and wellness information
OM 1479/250-828-5010/Chelsea Corsi – ccorsi@tru.ca/ http://www.tru.ca/wellness.html

• TRU Counselling Department – FREE personal, career, and academic counselling
OM 1631/250-828-5023/http://www.tru.ca/counselling.html

On-line resources

• Provide ways to maintain mental health: https://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/your-mental-health/mental-health-fact-sheet/
• Discuss how to recognize and maintain mental health: http://ideas.ted.com/7-ways-to-practice-emotional-first-aid/
• Provides information on mental illnesses: https://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/
• Resource families can access for children about mental health: http://keltymentalhealth.ca/
• Access mental health help in your area: http://www.ementalhealth.ca/
• TED talk. Woman shares her experience about having a mental illness and have she learned to accept and utilize it to assist her: https://www.ted.com/talks/eleanor_longden_the_voices_in_my_head?language=en
• TED talk about practicing emotional recognition: https://www.ted.com/talks/guy_winch_the_case_for_emotional_hygiene.

References

World Health Organization. (2014). Mental health: a state of well being. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/

Mental Health. (2015) Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved from: https://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/your-mental-health/mental-health-fact-sheet/