Student Health and Wellness Launches New Resources to Support Mental Health
We are all experiencing a wide range of emotions as we near the fall semester- nervous, excited, anxious and everything in between. Some of our students will struggle with their mental health as they adjust to our new modes of delivery and the ever-changing public health guidelines that will exist on our campuses. Student Health and Wellness wants to be proactive in encouraging students to access support and we invite all Lakehead staff and faculty to work with us in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. These resources are simple to use but can lead to a culture on campus where students seek help when it is needed. In addition to the following statements generated for staff and faculty members to consider using, Student Health and Wellness will continue to offer monthly Students in Distress training sessions.
Email Signature
Email signatures are regularly used to communicate information. Using your email signature to communicate your working hours can help to support your own work-life balance and create realistic expectations of response time for students. Linking to the How to Ask for Help guide ensures that even if you do not immediately respond- students are still aware of the support and resources available to them and are encouraged to access them when needed.
Suggested Signature line:
PLEASE NOTE MY WORK HOURS: I check and respond to emails during my working hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. I will not regularly see or respond to emails outside of these hours.
Are you ok? Our How to ask for Help at Lakehead guide was made for you.
Need to talk to someone right now? Good 2 Talk is a free, confidential 24/7 post-secondary student helpline. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
Mental Health Syllabi Statement
A statement in the syllabus can send a positive signal of support for students' learning and well-being by including recommendations and encouragement for students to take care of themselves and seek help when they need it. The statement might also be used to encourage classroom conversations about the stigma that keeps students from getting professional help.
Suggested Statement:
As a university student, you may sometimes experience mental health concerns or stressful events that interfere with your academic performance and negatively impact your daily activities.
All of us can benefit from support during times of struggle. If you or anyone you know experiences academic stress, difficult life events or feelings of anxiety or depression, Student Health and Wellness is here to help. Their services are free for Lakehead Students and appointments are available. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on and off campus at lakeheadu.ca/shw.
Remember that getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do- for yourself, for those you care about, and for those who care about you. Asking for support sooner rather than later is almost always helpful.
You could also choose to include this slide with the statement in your lecture. Student Health and Wellness can also provide a short presentation about the wellness services on campus.
We would be interested in knowing whether you use the signature or statement (or a modified version). If you have any questions, feedback, or otherwise would like to suggest modifications, feel free to contact Lindsey Wachter, Health and Wellness Promoter, activities.shcc@lakeheadu.ca.