As a part of a campus-wide initiative, taking place from Nov. 9 to Nov. 13, the 1-in-5 mental health awareness week provided students with a variety of informative activities and workshops. Planned by the 1-in-5 Committee, the events put together in preparation for this week aims to give students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to learn about dealing with mental health.
The various partners involved in putting on the events for mental health awareness week include the Wellness Education Centre, Central Student Association, ResLife, Office of Intercultural Affairs, Multi-Faith Resource Team, Student Support Network, Jack.org, the Aboriginal Resource Centre and the Athletics department. During an incredibly busy time of the school year, the ability for multiple members of the campus network to come together demonstrates just how devoted the University of Guelph is to supporting and teaching others about mental health. The first event in support of mental health awareness took place on Sunday evening—a screening of the movie Infinitely Polar Bear, starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana. The movie told a story of a father with bipolar disorder and his experience with raising two young daughters. Specifically, the movie illustrates not only the difficulty of dealing with bipolar disorder, but also the effects that mental health can have on others who are involved. The film, which was screened with the help of Sunday Night Cinema, provided students with a free viewing of Infinitely Polar Bear in order to shed light onto those affected by bipolar disorder or manic depression.
On Nov. 9, a community art project was held in the MacNaughton lobby on campus. The project, which was ongoing throughout the entire day, saw a large Gryphon portrait being painted and coloured with words of support and kindness. Whether you were just waiting for classes or walking by the campus bookstore, the community art project provided a way for students to relieve some stress while sending a positive message to other students, staff, and faculty.
While the 1-in-5 mental health awareness week had a lot of ways to participate, a variety of the events run throughout the week were aimed at providing an informative and inclusive learning environment. Specific events included yoga in the UC, a sleep and stress management workshop, a Let’s Talk panel discussion, a games night, and two varsity basketball games in support of the 1-in-5 campaign. The numerous events put on throughout the week contribute to the strong and helpful community that U of G strives to maintain.
With everything from t-shirt giveaways on Raithby porch, to Zumba, to the how to help a friend workshop, mental health awareness week remains an important event for all members of the community to come together to learn and teach others to support mental health. There are variety of incredible and informative resources set in place for students looking to take initiative and learn more about mental health. These resources are constantly being made available through the Wellness Education Centre or by visiting the university website.