Many students underestimate the stress of transition to university, which can be challenging academically, socially and financially. The ages 18 to 25 are also when many mental illnesses first present and are initially diagnosed. Stress, anxiety, depression and harmful substance abuse are prevalent among post-secondary students in campuses across Canada. Recent studies indicate that almost 90 per cent of university students feel overwhelmed at times.

Students, their families, the public, as well as faculty and staff, are invited to join in the discussion on mental health at UVic’s third annual Mental Health Awareness event, hosted by UVic’s Division of Student Affairs in partnership with the University of Victoria Students’ Society.

This free event features keynote speaker Kevin Breel, a Victoria-based comedian and mental health activist with over four million views on his viral TED talk “Confessions of a Depressed Comic.” Breel is a national ambassador for the Bell LET’S TALK Campaign and his work has been featured by The Huffington Post, MTV, CNN, NBC and the Wall Street Journal.

The afternoon event will include a special storytelling performance by current UVic students and provide an update on UVic’s Student Mental Health Strategy, a comprehensive and proactive framework intended to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and build awareness and supportive services.

The event is Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Wright Centre lecture hall. A pre-event reception begins at 4 p.m. in the lobby.

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