Growing the mental health conversation

Stressing that mental health is just as important as physical health, University of Waterloo athletes have partnered with Bell Let’s Talk and regional university sports conferences to initiate campus wide discussion on mental health.

This year, the Waterloo Warriors shared their support of mental health awareness initiatives by participating in an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) video and a social media campaign on campus. In the OUA video, university athletes stress the importance of acceptance, openness, choosing the right words, and avoiding negative stereotypes when talking about mental illness, all reflected in Bell’s 5 ways to help end the stigma around mental illness.

“I am pleased that Bell Let’s Talk, the OUA and the Warriors can bring profile to such an important topic, says Roly Webster, director of athletics and recreation. “We are concerned with the well-being and mental health of all students, and I am grateful that through education and awareness we can champion the conversation.”

Bell Let’s Talk Mental Health Day, taking place January 25, aims to create a lasting free discussion around mental illness and provide funding to mental health programs.

Where to go for help

University of Waterloo offers a wide range of mental health supports across its campuses.

• In addition to individual, group and peer support counselling, Counselling and Psychological Services provides coping skills seminars and workshops.
• Counselling services are covered under student fees.
• Appointments may be made by calling the Counselling Services and Health Services office contact numbers.
• Emergency contacts can be found here.

The social startup PASS Kit (for Panic, Anxiety and Stress Support) provides students at University of Waterloo and other universities with additional mental health support. The PASS kit contains a sleeping mask, earplugs, a stress ball, chewing gum and flash cards with concise counselling advice. This simple but effective tool kit is proven to help students manage stress. Founded by Waterloo students, PASS Kit aims to improve awareness of mental health symptoms and initiate open conversations about mental health.