Alex is the first person that always comes to mind whenever I need help with something. I know that in any situation I can go to them for help.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental health to me is the wellness and overall wellbeing of someone's inner thoughts and how they manage their feelings. Mental health means a lot to me because of how crucial it is to my daily life. Taking care of my mental health allows me to keep a positive balance with the stress of student life, HP (house president) life and soccer life. Keep all these 3 components balanced with my mental health and knowing when to take a break is what allows me to have a good mental health.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

As a house president, I support other students in many ways. One way is by actively giving out mental health resources at my sports committee events. Another way I support other students is by planning and hosting exciting active events for students at residency to participate in. This allows students to have a break from studies or to learn way to manage school work. A example of this is the sports committee's zumba event that I hosted in collaboration with the Thunder wolves dance team. This event helped to support a positive outlet for students to burn off stress in a healthy and positive way. Educators and staff members play a big role in promoting mental health resources to the students of lakehead. Without the educators and staff making the mental health programs well known to students, many students wouldn't take the first steps to balancing their mental health. As well with staff making their support well known is always helpful.

Alisia has time and again provided a safe space for me to air concerns and receive support. I do not see how I could be successful in this academic journey I am on, without the continual support and care she provides. Great Job Alisia! You a very deserving. 

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

To me mental health means taking care of your well-being. This includes doing the things that bring you joy, breathing through the tough moments, feeling your feelings, and spreading positivity. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

I take the time to listen to each student so they feel heard and I'll give a hug if it feels right to do so! The role we play is giving what we would want in return. 

Ava is by far one of the most supportive and kind-hearted people I have ever encountered. She puts such immense care and compassion into uplifting others and providing support wherever it is needed. In her role as an RA, she is a pillar of her community and is an amazing role model that residents look to. Ava is so incredibly sweet and has truly put in so much time and effort into supporting the mental health of her students and colleagues through daily, meaningful interactions. She is truly a shining star in the residence and Lakehead community, creating a positive ripple effect to everyone around her.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

To me, mental health is about balance, resilience, and the ability to navigate life's challenges while finding joy and meaning. Good mental health doesn't mean being happy all the time or never feeling stress or sadness. Instead, it means having the tools to manage these emotions while maintaining healthy relationships, and adapting to change and adversity.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

I work to support the mental health of my residents by acting as a support and a resource in our residence community. I'm so grateful to be an RA and to get to help students in this way. I enjoy planning fun and engaging events to help students take a much needed break from their responsibilities. Additionally, my students know they are always welcome to come to me with any concern I do my best to find an equitable, helpful solution/path forward.

They were always very supportive and easy going with students. I felt very supported in the class and my passion for her subjects increased.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

So many students face mental health challenges, and often with fear and shame about their course work. So as a professors we play an important role in student mental health. When a student faces a mental health wall, I let them know I care, and I encourage open communication. A little bit of compassion can help a struggling student get themselves back on track.

Steven is a professor that truly cares about his students. He knows that the mental load of school is heavy, coupled with the stressors of real life. He is kind, compassionate and fair. He has clear expectations, but recognizes that there are hiccups that can happen in life and offers grace when needed. Every Science class, he would make an intentional effort to check in with us to see how we REALLY were doing. He took the time to get to know our names and information about us. For these reasons and more, I nominate Steven as a Champion for Mental Health.

- Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental health is as important as our physical health and needs to be prioritized whenever possible. It is critical for effective learning and allowing us to reach our full potential. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

I try to create space in my classrooms that allow students to feel comfortable being themselves and where they know their well-being is a priority. Teaching in the Faculty of Education it is important to model this for future educators so they too are able to visualize how they will accomplish this with their students.

Professor Schenk is very well organized. He has mapped out exactly what will be happening in our classes. He has made our comprehension of material a priority, which gives a sense of security. He talks forthrightly about mental health and exam anxiety. He reminds us to avail ourselves of school resources. He makes himself available to review course material and/or to talk about how to prepare for exams.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

It's difficult to overstate the importance of mental health as it plays such a foundational role in everything we do. Good mental health practices enable us to pursue our goals, whether they are personal, professional, or academic, to our fullest capacity in a healthy, sustainable manner. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

So much important progress has been made to push back against the stigmas related to mental health, but there remains much work to be done in this area. I feel that educators can play an extremely significant role in confronting these stigmas and signaling to students that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being honest about experiencing mental health struggles and seeking help. As someone that has experienced mental health difficulties in the past, particularly when I was a student myself, I try to be honest and transparent with students by acknowledging that I have, for instance, experienced unhealthy levels of anxiety surrounding exams, that I needed to ask for help, and that there was not, and is not, anything wrong with this!

Encouraging students to be proactive in maintaining their mental health, particularly during times in a semester that may be particularly stressful with exams or assignment deadlines, is another significant way that educators can enhance student mental health and wellbeing. Hard work and studying are of course very important components of academic life, but these need to be complemented by other non-academic activities and supports. If you've put in a lot of hours studying in the library, for instance, maybe it's time to put down the books and get some fresh air, play a sport, connect with friends or family, or any of the other things we may do outside of academics that provide important personal balance and perspective.

Anya’s door is always open. She makes herself available to listen to any concern big or small. Anya is trusted ally to all who attend the Board Laskin Faculty of Law.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental health is just as important as physical, social and emotional health. It needs to be nurtured and taken care of in order for a person to thrive. It's especially important in an academic setting where there are so many pressures put on students.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

I think as staff, it's most important for us to show up and be there for students. You don't have to be a mental health expert to support student well-being. Check in with students, invite them into your office, ask them how they're doing. Sometimes just knowing you're in their corner can make a difference. 

 It is with great admiration and respect that I nominate Élaine for recognition as an extraordinary support for students in the Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) department. Her dedication, resourcefulness, and compassion have consistently gone above and beyond the expectations of her role, creating a lasting impact on both students and instructors.

Élaine’s commitment to supporting students is unparalleled. She approaches every challenge with grace, persistence, and determination to find solutions. For example, in cases where students face technical difficulties with course registration, Élaine does not hesitate to take on additional responsibilities. In one particular case that I remember, she personally visited the helpdesk to advocate for the student, submited detailed tickets on their behalf and ensured that everyone involved—department chair, student and instructors alike—are kept informed throughout the process. Her willingness to navigate these intricate systems reflects not only her technical acumen but also her deep care for the individuals she supports.

Because of Élaine’s compassion and proactive approach, students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her ability to turn frustrating situations into manageable and hopeful ones creates a sense of trust and community within the department. Élaine’s kindness, determination, and support make a meaningful difference in the academic and personal lives of the students she works with.

It is individuals like Élaine who truly exemplify the spirit of dedication and service that the GWS department and the broader academic community strive to uphold.

-Nominating Student

Harvey is an advocate for students mental health! He is understanding of students needs and struggles which makes it so that I can be honest with him. He has also been vulnerable with students when sharing stories which makes him more human-like and easier to connect to.
Harvey is also very honest with and students and is passionate about the topics that he is teaching about. This passion is also full of open-mindedness as we creates a safe place for students to share their opinions and views on various topics.
Last year Harvey participated in the pie-a-prof event which brought a lot of rec students out to the event. Harvey took the pies like a champ and joked around with the students during his event.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

For years, the discussion surrounding health pertained solely to physical health. Today, thanks the work of countless individuals and dedicated proponents, health is now understood to be comprised of physical, mental, and most recently, spiritual health. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

Provide a safe environment where all health components (physical, mental, spiritual) can be openly discussed in safe in respectful fashion.

I'm glad to that the issue of student mental health is being discussed publicly.

She always supports no matter what.

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental health is serious and is not something that should be pushed aside. You are important, your feelings are important and there are people who want to help you succeed in life. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

As an RA (resident assistant), my role is to support students in any way I can. Mental health is a subject that comes up a lot for students and it is our job is to support them with resources they can use. RA's are here to lead students in the right direction to receiving these supports like Student Health and Wellness and more. We provide different educational events that highlight the idea of mental health and we provide a safe space for students to explore their wellbeing. 

Mental health is serious and is not something that should be pushed aside. You are important, your feelings are important and there are people who want to help you succeed in life. 

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

To me, mental health is maintaining a state of mental well-being that is achieved by learning to cope with life's daily stresses such as family stresses, work stresses, school stresses and social stresses.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

I have an open door policy. Students at the law school walk by my office every day and know that they can come and talk to me whenever they need to. If they have issues, questions, or simply need someone to talk to, I will always take the time to meet with them.

I believe that assisting others in maintaining a state of mental well-being assists with my own mental well-being.

I took health & physical education with Marilyn, and from the start of the class she promoted positive mental health. She took the time to get to know the class, and even would mention if she could sense we were all tired from the busy weeks of school. Marilyn cared about every student in the class and it was so obvious from day 1. It was such a welcoming and positive classroom to be in. She also took the time to tell her story, and openly discuss mental health with us. Something that stood out to me was when she said that the pictures and videos we see on social media are a highlight reel, and we never know what is actually going on in people's lives. This stood out to me and I will never forget that. It's so true! She also pointed us towards mental health resources on campus, and said to us that we could ask her for help to get pointed in the right direction if we needed support. She taught us how important physical exercise is, especially when it comes to our mental health. Another thing that stood out to me was a resilience challenge, where we were to stick to a habit for a month, or do something for ourselves for a month. This was an eye-opening assignment that also taught important life skill of taking care of ourselves -- so important in such a busy program/career. I never felt as cared for, or supported, by a professor at Lakehead.

-Nominating Student 

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental health, when we think about it holistically, is about the whole person—how we feel, think, and interact with the world around us. It’s not just the absence of mental illness, but a balance of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that shapes how we experience life. It touches on how we manage our emotions, our relationships, and our ability to bounce back from challenges. Mental health is not something we achieve once and for all; it’s a continuous process, changing over time based on a mix of things like our life experiences, the choices we make, our environment, and even our genetics.

There will be moments when we feel like we can handle life’s challenges with ease or with just a little extra effort. But there are also times when everything feels much harder to manage, when even the smallest obstacles seem overwhelming. The key to mental health is finding that balance—being kind to ourselves, accepting where we are, and knowing that it’s okay to ask for help when things get tough. It's about having the tools and support we need to navigate life, no matter what it throws our way.

Surrounding ourselves with people who bring the best out in us should be a priority for not only our physical health, but also our mental and social health. Having friends who will get me outside biking, running, walking, skiing... is crucial for my mental health.We can't do it alone.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

At the start of each new class, I dedicate significant time to getting to know my students and building meaningful relationships. From my experience, students are unlikely to seek help unless they feel fully supported. Asking for help can be difficult, so I make it a priority to remove any barriers by being readily available and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to improve their well-being. I’m open and transparent with my students, letting them know that while I may not always have the expertise to address every challenge, I am committed to helping them find someone who can. I connect them to a wide range of resources, both on and off campus. To further support their success, I offer flexibility with assignment due dates, allowing students to choose a day within a one-week window that works best for them, taking into consideration their other coursework and commitments. Additionally, I dedicate considerable time to sharing research on the connection between physical activity, and mental health, helping students understand the science behind how exercise impacts the brain and well-being. I have created a resilience challenge as a significant assignment in my physical and health education courses. I encourage students to look at an area of their life that could benefit from some attention - whether it is for their physical, mental or social health. They set individual goals, track progress, research and reflect on how prioritizing an area of life for themselves affects their overall well being.

During my first semester in the M.Ed. program, I faced immense challenges. Adjusting to a new educational system, culture shock, and my mother’s illness took a severe toll on my mental health, leading me to fail a course. I did not know how to deal with those challenges, I could not understand the academic expectations. I almost gave up when someone suggested I reach out to Mohit. Initially, I hesitated because I didn’t know him, but summoning the courage to seek help turned out to be transformative. Despite not being my instructor, Mohit provided incredible support. He guided me through the petition process for a late withdrawal and strongly encouraged me to seek help from Student Health and Wellness.

-Nominating Student 

He truly provides support and motivation during the class and anytime when we need help and a guidance. For example, he provides academic support and also life skills when someone needed help and need a hand for improve mental wellbeing. 

-Nominating Student 

What does mental health mean to you? 

As a lecturer, I often think about the healing power of open conversations, or what some call the "talking cure." Talking to others who share similar struggles can ease emotional pain, and this feels especially meaningful to me during times of academic stress, adjusting to a new culture, feeling homesick, or navigating the pressures of university life. I also think that the idea of “transference” helps build an empathetic relationship among students and between students and teachers—how unresolved emotions can come to the surface in relationships. In my classroom, I try to create a space where we can safely explore and express these feelings, knowing that this can be a step toward better mental health for my students.
To me, mental health is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding what drives our thoughts and behaviors and finding ways to align them with the realities of our daily lives. As someone living and working across different cultural and professional worlds, I know this process is crucial—not just for my own well-being but also for building empathy and resilience in the communities I care about.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

Supporting student mental health requires creating a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment where students feel valued and understood. My own educational journey (from primary school to undergrad college) was marked by challenges, including violence and bullying from teachers and peers, which shaped my understanding of the importance of fostering positive relationships in education. These experiences taught me what not to do as an educator and inspired me to approach teaching with empathy, care, and respect.

During my master's program at Azim Premji University, I experienced a transformative shift in the student-teacher dynamic. Professors there embodied healing, care, and positive reinforcement, which stood in stark contrast to the power-driven, disciplinarian model I had encountered earlier. This perspective shaped how I now interact with students.

In my role as an educator, I actively work to disrupt traditional power dynamics in the classroom. I encourage students to see me not just as a teacher, but as a multidimensional human being, fostering open communication and mutual respect. Inspired by my doctoral supervisor, Dr. Gerald Walton, I aim to create a human-centered relationship with my students, where they feel empowered to approach me with academic and personal concerns.

Recognizing the diversity of challenges students face, particularly international students navigating culture shock, academic transitions, housing instability, and language barriers, I take proactive steps to support their mental health. I share my own experiences as an international student to provide guidance and relatability. Additionally, I make reasonable academic accommodations to ensure my courses are engaging and manageable, rather than burdensome.

Beyond academics, I encourage students to bring their full selves into their interactions with me and provide a supportive space where they feel comfortable discussing issues beyond coursework. Whether offering advice, listening empathetically, or connecting them with appropriate resources, I am committed to fostering a holistic sense of well-being for my students.

Ultimately, educators and staff play a vital role in supporting student mental health by creating environments of trust, care, and empowerment. Through empathy, advocacy, and meaningful relationships, we can help students thrive not only academically but also emotionally and socially.

Professor Brennan is very well organized. She has mapped out exactly what will be happening in our classes. She has made our comprehension of material a priority, which gives us a sense of security. She uses a variety of techniques to ensure that students understand and are engaged with the material. She has a friendly and easy-going manner. She makes herself available to review course material and/or to talk about how to prepare for exams. 

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

For me, mental health really is listening to that intuitive voice within you and trusting that when something isn't right you'll know. It's personal and it's valid for everyone and it's not quantifiably the same for anyone. Working toward good mental health is about listening, caring, and being present with oneself, and setting boundaries to protect an individual's mind and well-being.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

My primary goal when working with students, especially in a one-on-one capacity, is to listen and make them feel heard and safe enough to ask for help. I want to create a supportive environment, to listen to the student and their needs and validate that what they are feeling (nervous, anxious, distracted, etc.) is ok. It's really about establishing a rapport and if it is my power to lift them up and support them, then I'm going to do it. I'm not a counsellor, my advising is academic and with regards to learning and assistive technology, but most of the time those things can affect a person's mental health. When the technology works right, it breaks down barriers and allows them to be confident in their abilities.

You never truly know what is going on with someone. Giving them time, hold space, validate the experience. You might be the first person that truly saw them that day and that is hugely impactful. 

In December, David Schelling from Student Accessibility Services (SAS) oversaw students registered with SAS to write nearly one thousand exams. Exams are a major stressor for SAS students. David worked diligently to ensure that students writing with SAS were properly accommodated. We are lucky to have them on staff at Lakehead! 

-Nominating Student

What does mental health mean to you? 

Mental Health to me represents one of the many types of "invisible" disabilities that students registered with our office present with.

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

For my role within the SAS Office (processing student accommodation request forms each term to activate their accommodations and then primarily coordinating arrangements for accommodated tests/exams/quizzes), students often have barriers associated with their mental health that require the rescheduling of assessments often on short notice under tight deadlines—staff within our office work in collaboration with Faculty on many fronts including arrangements for accommodated testing.  My collaboration is a direct communication with instructors and students to ensure that their accommodation needs for accommodated testing are addressed in a timely fashion.

University life for a student with a disability or medical condition can be a very stressful experience at times.  Students appreciate staff in our office going the extra mile to provide the support they need to be successful in their endeavours.

What does mental health mean to you? 

It's tricky to define and everyone has their own definition. But to me, mental health goes hand in hand with physical health, and my definition for both is the same: the enjoyment of life. Someone with a mental health or physical disorder can still enjoy life, and therefore be healthy, as long as they are able to control or at least work with their challenges. Although easier said than done, in my own experience, I've found that keeping a positive outlook, positive self-talk, and a motivated mindset often helps to dispel the rain clouds that so often threaten a good time!

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

When someone comes to me looking for help with their writing, nine times out of ten, the writing is perfectly fine. The more we discuss the assignment and their approach to tackling it, however, the more apparent it becomes that there are deeper issues. For instance, perhaps the student is worried about an upcoming test in another subject and has been putting off looking at this assignment that's due that night, or they've had struggles in their personal life that force school to take a backseat. In all cases, my approach stays the same--listen to the student! I think that is the best way to help anyone in any situation. I believe educators and staff play a vital role in helping students maintain their mental health because we've all struggled with mental well-being, and although we can't understand exactly what someone else is going through, we can more than likely relate. In addition, educators and staff who listen to students can provide compassionate support, recognize signs of stress, and connect students with appropriate resources. Indeed, if a student is anxious about a test, talking with someone else can help for a time, but the only thing that will truly help them is studying for that test!

Robin cares about the well-being of the students at Bora Laskin. I often drop in to see him. He is always there to listen. Robin was instrumental in arranging for the first-year law students to attend Indigenous Law Camp this year. It was an awesome experience. Miigwech Robin for all this you do! 

-Nominating student

What does mental health mean to you? 

To me, mental health means maintaining a healthy state of mind, including positive thoughts and emotions. It means being aware of your mental state and knowing when to seek help, but also being able to seek help even when it may be uncomfortable. Mental health means finding balance between and within the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual components of our lives. 

How do you support student mental health? What role do educators and staff play in supporting and enhancing student mental health and well-being?

In my role at the Faculty of Law, I provide support to Indigenous law students and help them access the supports and resources they might need to be successful. Through the Indigenous Perspectives course, I am able to bring in programming that supports all law students' learning, but also their mental health, such as the Elder-in-Residence program. I also have an open door policy and am available for a quick chat or even a smudge. In this university setting where students are expected to be extremely independent, educators and staff are directly responsible for the student experience. Everyone has a story and we don't always know what someone may be going through. By offering a smile, an ear to listen, or some encouraging words, you may be impacting students more than you or they even realize.