Jack.org student group aims to break stigmas surrounding mental health
It’s 2016 and there is still a stigma around mental health and illness. When faced with a nasty cold or flu, most people would treat themselves a little more gently and rest whenever possible. Yet, on days where life’s complications fill us with debilitating feelings of helplessness, fatigue, or anxiety—not everyone would consider getting help or taking time off for recovery.
Awareness is crucial to lifting the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health, and that is exactly what Jack.org is aiming to do.
“Jack.org focuses on mental health in general. We’re very aware that one in five Canadians have a diagnosable mental illness, but we want to remind everyone that five in five people, all of us, have mental health,” explained Brittany Danishevsky, one of the Guelph chapter’s co-leads. “Everyone should stay aware and care for our mental health, just like we care for our physical health. In doing so, we hope to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness so, that anyone struggling can do whatever they need to do to maintain optimal mental health.”
On Fri, Oct. 28, Jack.org hosted their third annual community art project. The billboard by the Bullring was open to anyone willing to complete the sentence: “Today I feel…”
The board was filled with words. The anonymity of the board allowed for all feelings to be put on display, whether positive or negative.
“What we’re hoping to do here is get the Guelph community to stop and think about their mental health by getting them to write their feelings on the board,” Danishevsky said. “We encourage all feelings—negative or positive—we don’t want to censor anyone. Because that’s the reality of what people experience, it’s almost cathartic to write your feelings on the board, to be expressive, to share something that you may have been keeping inside. And it’s great for passers-by, too. You see that you aren’t alone in the way that you’re feeling.”
One of the most prominent words on display was “destroyed.” Danishevsky unabashedly admitted to feeling that way earlier in the day and that seeing that word on the board felt incredibly validating.
Pat McGrath, Jack.org’s other co-lead at Guelph, shared his own view on mental health as a varsity athlete.
“I started my time at the University as a varsity athlete and I can definitely say that on the varsity field I felt the stigma towards mental health. Quite often, varsity athletes feel they must show that they’re strong; they have no weaknesses and are always on their game. But the fact is that they undergo even more stress than the average student. The extra stresses and commitments can really take a toll and that toll is often not addressed.”
He also shared that his time at Jack.org has opened his eyes to the need for mental health awareness for everyone, in every group and discipline.
“We’re really fortunate to have an active group of mental health services here on campus. The one in five committee hosts various events. […] There’s the Student Support Network based out of Raithby House and Student Counselling Services. They’re super easy to access and have very comprehensive online scheduling. With the click of a mouse students can find help, right here on campus,” said McGrath.
Danishevsky added: “I think it’s important to note that [U of G], like any institution, has long wait times and access to counselling or health services is not always straightforward. The Student Support Network is such an underused service. The students are well trained to provide mental health support and it does take some of the pressure off counselling and health services, leading to shorter wait times. We’re really lucky to have alternative resources for mental health.”
Big changes to society’s views on mental health are happening right here on campus. With every passing generation, the understanding of mental health improves, and it’s amazing to see students leading the way.