As part of York’s Mental Health and Wellness Strategy, the University is holding its second annual Let’s Talk Mental Health Day to engage the community and promote a healthy campus.
“York University is committed to promoting a mentally healthy campus for all students, faculty and staff, fostering student academic success and a better workplace,” says York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “Together, we can create a healthy, supportive campus where everyone can fulfill their potential.”
York’s Mental Health and Wellness strategy is built on three foundational pillars: health and wellness promotion, facilitation of care and support, and collaboration and discussion.
York U’s Let’s Talk Mental Health Day will take place Tuesday, Jan. 28, and will include a Community Café and an all-day wellness information fair, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month (February). Learn more about the University’s Mental Health and Wellness Strategy, and the resources available on campus and in the community.
The Let’s Talk: Community Café will feature Mental Health Steering Group co-chairs Suzanne Killick and Lesley Beagrie, who will host a discussion on York’s Mental Health Strategy and invite participants to share what York University can do to help improve the mental health and wellness of its students, faculty and staff. Vice-Provost Students Janet Morrison and Vice-President Finance & Administration Gary Brewer will make closing remarks. The Community Café will run from 12:30 to 1:30pm at 1014 TEL Building, Keele campus.
“Mental wellness is integral to the academic success, employee well-being and overall productivity within the university community,” says Beagrie. “We all work, learn and share our environment with others, and need to provide a place of safety and support for each other.”
In a 2009 health and wellness survey of six Ontario universities, 64 per cent of York respondents reported finding academic work traumatic or very difficult to handle
The mental health of York’s students, faculty and staff is of real concern. A 2009 student health and wellness survey of six Ontario universities found 64 per cent of York respondents reported finding academic work traumatic or very difficult to handle. These same students cited stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety and depression as major factors impacting their academic performance. The same survey also found that 35 per cent of York’s long-term disability cases are due to a mental health condition.
The Mental Health & Wellness at York website was launched last year to provide information and support for students, staff and faculty with a list of on- and off-campus resources.
The Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities, launched Good2Talk this fall, a new bilingual, confidential and anonymous helpline. Through Good2Talk, Ontario’s postsecondary students can receive professional counselling, mental health information and referrals to resources on and off campus, 24/7/365.
To learn more about the Good2Talk service and how it can support students with a variety of issues and concerns, attend one of two sessions being delivered by Good2Talk’s Fiona O’Connor. Good2Talk sessions will take place from 10 to 11am and from 2 to 3pm at 1014 TEL Building. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP to Elizabeth at zylsk353@yorku.ca as space is limited. Sessions will be recorded.
Another component of York U’s Let’s Talk Mental Health Day is the Community Wellness and Safety Fair in Vari Hall, the Link and Central Square, from 10am to 2pm. Organized by York’s Mental Health & Wellness Working Group and the Community Safety Council, the event will include information tables highlighting the many wellness and safety resources on campus.
Visit York’s Safety or Mental Health & Wellness at York websites for more information. Prizes are available by visiting the Office of Emergency Preparedness table and filling in a quick survey.