It’s okay, not to be okay.
Every day is a good day to talk about mental health, and today we shine light on an important issue that more than 1 in 5 Canadians will struggle with during their lifetime – our mental health. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, there are more than 2 million students enrolled in Canadian post-secondary institutions, of which almost 70% are 24 years old or younger, a demographic that is at a higher risk of developing mental health issues. So Let’s Talk!
January 28, 2021 is Bell Let’s Talk Day. At UFV we recognize that it is a normal human experience to struggle with mental health. One of the ways we bring awareness to this is through our participation in the Bell Let’s Talk initiative.
Now more than ever, the pandemic has highlighted how important it is to take care of our mental health. Mental health involves balancing many aspects of life including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We have all had challenges maintaining this balance, or know people who grapple with mental health. For the majority of individuals, mental health ebbs and flows over days, weeks, and years. There are times when we feel resilient, capable, and strong. There are other times that we are less likely to talk about when we feel anxious, overwhelmed, defeated, or lonely. And then there are the more common times, when we are somewhere in-between.
Bell Let’s Talk was created in an effort to reduce the stigma around mental health and mental illness. Stigma can be described as negative attitudes, negative responses, and negative feelings about a person because of their condition. Stigma can make a person feel unwanted and shamed, which becomes a barrier to seeking help and can often leave people suffering alone. When we are injured or ill, we do not hesitate to see a doctor. Our mental health should be no different. When we are struggling, it is perfectly normal to seek help from a mental health professional. One of the biggest barriers to individuals seeking help and support is stigma and fear of the reaction they will receive. Fortunately, this is also one of the biggest opportunities we have to make a difference for one another. We can end stigma through compassion, understanding, patience, and listening without judgement. We have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around us. UFV is committed to ending stigma, normalizing mental health issues, and providing a culture of acceptance and support in our community.
Over the past year, more people than ever are disclosing that they are struggling with their mental health. Due to the pandemic we are facing more uncertainty, fear, and isolation than ever before. This is an opening for us to normalize this experience for one other. We know that people will often share with friends, family, and trusted confidants more often than seeking professional help. Each of us has the opportunity to empathize, show compassion, and listen openly to someone in pain, and this can make a big difference in someone’s life.
If someone chooses to share with you, there are a few easy ways to practice being a supportive listener:
- Be patient, warm, and caring;
- Validate their feelings and let them know it is okay to feel what they are feeling;
- Listen without judgement or immediately trying to provide solutions;
- Don’t interrupt; and
- Offer to help them connect with resources.
There are also ways to make a positive difference in the community:
- Respectfully challenge stigma when you see it;
- Learn the facts about mental health and mental illness; and
- Help raise awareness and engage in conversations about mental health.
We can all do our part to spread the word, raise awareness, and create positive change to battle stigma. Every action counts. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk. This also includes social media video views and use of Bell’s Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. The UFV community can participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day through the UFV Counselling Facebook page, tagging #bellletstalk, #itsokaynottobeokay, #ufvcounselling, #ufvwellness.
At UFV we are committed to the health and wellbeing of our community. If you, or someone you know, needs extra support there are a number of resources available:
- UFV Counselling is available to all students for virtual appointments.
- Join the UFV Counselling Facebook page for additional resources and information.
- Here2Talk is a mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students. The service offers confidential, free single-session services by app, phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Empower Me provides confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those registered with the SUS Health and Dental Plan.
- Indigenous students also have the option of connecting with the Indigenous Student Centre for support, including Elder support. Join their Facebook page to learn more.
- KUU-US Crisis Line Society at 1-800-588-8717 provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Our Student Support Coordinators are available to talk and can help connect you with resources.
- Anyone can reach out to the Fraser Health Crisis Line at 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444.
- If you’re an employee, reach out to Homewood Health, UFV’s Employee and Family Assistance provider.
- If seeking support within your community, see our regularly updated list of community resources.
- If facing an emergency situation, please call 911.
Though today we are highlighting these important discussions, every day is a good day to talk about mental health. Join us in the conversation. #bellletstalk
Robbyn Bennett
Director, Counselling and Student Wellness