As part of its commitment to promote a mentally healthy campus for all students, faculty and staff, York has launched a mental health website. It features tips, resources and events to help people feel good, get connected and access support when they need it.
In May, York approved a mental health strategy. It aims to address the pressures and stress experienced by students, faculty and staff by promoting health and well-being on campus through education, training and support programs.
The website is part of this initiative. On it, York community members can find wellness tips and learn about events to help them get educated and stay connected. It also lists a variety of resources available on and off campus that support mental health and well-being.
For students, the website offers a wealth of tips and resources for those looking to stay healthy or get help. It also includes a list of workshops to help students get talking about their mental health, including weekly information sessions in Vari Hall on topics such as sex health, stressbusters and exercise.
For staff, noon hour workshops are being offered on topics such as bullying, conflict resolution, dealing with difficult personalities and effective communication in the workplace. The York University Staff Association also offers two lunch-time fitness programs daily, including piloga, cardio, strength training and zumba.
Students, faculty and staff also have access to a variety of fee-for-service therapy and wellness programs on campus, including a mindfulness meditation group that runs twice yearly. Educational workshops are also available on memory and aging, child stress and parenting.
York’s mental health strategy is built on three pillars:
- Proactive wellness – providing tips on time management, adequate sleep, ample rest, exercise, eating well, socializing with friends, getting socially involved with clubs, which all contribute to good physical and mental health and well-being.
- Accessible resources – On- and off-campus resources such as the helpline for postsecondary students, Good2Talk, Counselling & Disability Services and Family Service Associations in the GTA.
- Open dialogue – It is only by speaking up openly and in a “safe” environment that mental health issues can be de-stigmatized. Events such as York U Let's Talk Day, and regular and positive outreach by service providers on campus can help foster open dialogue.