October is a significant month for mental health awareness, with October 10th being recognized as World Mental Health Day. It’s a time to focus on raising awareness about mental health issues worldwide. In this blog, we’ll discuss why October is essential for mental health awareness and share seven ways you can actively participate in spreading awareness and offering support.
7 Ways You Can Participate in Mental Health Awareness
- Educate Yourself: Start by learning about mental health issues, their prevalence, and the stigma surrounding them. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to raise awareness.
- Share Information: Utilize social media and other platforms to share facts, statistics, and resources related to mental health. Encourage your friends and followers to join the conversation.
- Wear Green: Green is the color symbolizing mental health awareness. Wearing green clothing or accessories is a simple yet powerful way to show your support.
- Start Conversations: Initiate discussions about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues. Sharing your own experiences or encouraging others to share theirs can help reduce stigma and foster understanding.
- Create Art or Write: Express your thoughts and feelings about mental health through art, poetry, or writing. Sharing your creations can inspire others to open up about their mental health.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your own mental health by practicing self-care. Seek help if needed and encourage others to do the same.
- Support Loved Ones: If you know someone struggling with mental health issues, offer your support and understanding. Listening without judgment and encouraging them to seek professional help when necessary can make a significant difference.
ILAC’s Health Services Department: Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Well-being
At ILAC, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being, especially for our students. Our Health Services Department is dedicated to providing support in both mental health and physical health matters. Whether you have questions about your well-being or need assistance in accessing healthcare, our team is here to help.
Counseling Services: Our campus offers counseling services with a dedicated team to support students facing mental health challenges. You can schedule a therapy session by reaching out to us via email at [email protected]. We prioritize responding to those in crisis, and you can expect a reply within 2-3 hours.
Additional Support for Georgian College Students
Georgian College students, please don’t forget that you have access to the My Wellness Plan through the extended health student union plan. To access further support, please see the flyer to scan the barcode and get access to additional resources and assistance.
Other Important Observances in October
In addition to Mental Health Awareness Month, October is home to several other important observances related to mental health:
- ADHD Awareness Month: If you have a formal ADHD diagnosis and require academic accommodation or need information on getting an assessment in Ontario, please email our department at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
- National Depression Education and Awareness Month: Seasonal changes in Canada can bring on the “winter blues.” If you’re struggling with depression affecting your academics or quality of life, please reach out to ILAC Health Services for support.
- Bullying Prevention Month: Both here in Canada and at ILAC we have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. We encourage empathy and acceptance among the ILAC community. If you’re a victim of bullying at ILAC, please don’t hesitate to reach out for confidential support.
