UVic launches Student Mental Health Strategy

Rebekah Erickson’s life profoundly changed shortly after graduating from high school, when someone very close to her tragically passed away from suicide. In learning to cope with the grief, confusion and sadness, Erickson found her passion in life—helping others.

“I realized the importance of having a strong support network around you,” said Erickson, in her fourth year of psychology at the University of Victoria. “The loss I experienced really ignited my desire to help people who are dealing with mental illness and struggling to find that support.” A peer helper in the university’s counselling services, Erickson is pursuing a career in the mental health field.

Student well-being in a time of transitions

Many mental illnesses are initially diagnosed in the ages of 18 to 25—a time when young people are dealing with the challenges of university and perhaps living away from home for the first time.

“Stress can sneak up on you, and suddenly you can feel overwhelmed and unable to cope,” said Anthony Fast, another UVic psychology student who lives and works in campus residence. He sees the stress many new students go through, and appreciates the training UVic provides him and his co-workers to help students cope. “It’s important to realize you are not alone, you are not a failure, and the people around you really do care and can help.”

Working collaboratively with students, faculty and staff, UVic has developed its Student Mental Health Strategy to support and care for the mental health and well-being of students facing the challenges and stress of university life. The new strategy goes far beyond the traditional counselling and health services model, by providing campus-wide resources and training to identify students at risk and respond with appropriate actions and tools.

Cause for concern

The numbers are unsettling. Some 36.4 per cent of UVic students surveyed in 2013 in a national assessment felt so depressed at some point in the previous 12 months that it was difficult to function, while 9.1% say they seriously considered suicide. These figures are only slightly lower than the national student responses (37.5 and 9.5 per cent), indicating that, despite the natural advantages and environment enjoyed in Victoria and on campus, students face mental health challenges as much here as anywhere.

President Jamie Cassels emphasized the strategy’s importance at its official launch on Oct. 22, 2014.

“Our new strategy is a comprehensive plan. We know that students who are engaged in their coursework and have a strong support network are more resilient, confident and successful,” said Cassels. “We are strengthening programs and supports to assist undergraduate and graduate students build resilience and healthy coping strategies, thereby fostering personal and academic success.”

Stigma and misunderstanding

The keynote speaker at the launch event, Mark Henick, spoke eloquently about the challenges faced by youth struggling with mental illness. Henick is the youngest-ever board member for the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a national youth advocate for mental health and empowerment, a renowned TEDx speaker and author. His life’s work in this field had its genesis in his own battle with depression as a teen.

“Our perception of life is guided by our individual biology, psychology and society; and that perception expands and contracts constantly as we go through our daily lives,” Henick said. “But for someone dealing with mental illness, that perception can collapse into a dark and constricted place, where light and hope are squeezed out. For too many people in that place, suicide seems to be the only choice they have.

“Almost a quarter of 15 to 25 year olds who die, die by suicide—and that’s not acceptable,” he continued. “We know that about 90 per cent of the people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. We also know that mental illness is treatable, but stigma and misunderstandings too often act as barriers to getting treatment.

“At the individual and societal levels, we must challenge our old ideas. We must have this conversation, and I am extremely pleased to be here to witness the beginning of UVic’s conversation on mental illness.”

Reaching out, with new tools

The three-year strategy describes initiatives that will focus on reducing the negative stigma associated with mental health issues, building a more welcoming and supportive university community and enhancing the university’s ability to support students who may be at risk. The strategy will provide practical tools to students in distress or crisis and offer employees the training and resources needed to support student mental health.

All university community members are encouraged to take an active role in implementing the goals, objectives and initiatives.

“The people who interact with our students on a regular basis are the ones who are most likely to notice if someone is in distress,” said Jim Dunsdon, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs. “We want all of our employees—whether they are faculty or the folks who work across the university’s various frontline services—to have simple, practical and effective tools to recognize the signs and know what they can do to help.”

The first four initiatives within the strategy are being launched immediately:

• A dedicated Student Mental Health website provides information to students, faculty/staff and families. The website enhances and reorganizes information to be more accessible and current.
• Campus-wide training for faculty/staff will enhance awareness about issues and good practices. The training will strengthen faculty and staff ability to identify students at risk, provide assistance, and know where and when to refer students for more support.
• Student Mental Health activity grants are available to support student-led activities. There is $10,000 available per year for activities, events and programs supporting student mental health.
• An "Assisting Students in Distress" folder provides faculty and staff with quick tips and resources to support students at risk. There will be broad distribution across campus and online.

For more information on UVic’s new Student Mental Health Strategy and its initiatives, visit: uvic.ca/mentalhealth.