The University Students’ Council (USC) is campaigning to end the stigma of mental illness.
Civil engineering student Jennifer Francis spoke out last fall about her struggle with Bipolar Disorder Type II, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Panic Disorder. The story of Francis and her service dog Spirit attracted a lot of attention on campus, including the USC’s.
Francis teamed up with the students’ council to develop the ‘Holding on to Hope’ campaign. Presentations and workshops were held in January and February to inform the Western community about the campaign. The next presentation is March 18.
“I noticed that the university put so much work into so many wonderful areas, but mental health was always neglected,” says Francis. “We have programs such as Ally Western and EnviroWestern, but nothing for mental health awareness.
“The reality is … anyone can have mental illness,” adds Will Bortolin, USC Vice-President, Campus Issues, noting many people have misconceptions about it.
The USC wanted to address the issue on campus and Francis’ campaign approach seemed like an ideal fit, he says. Moving a step further, a mental health awareness commissioner’s position was established within the Campus Issues portfolio and the role will take shape in the upcoming academic year.
Faculties and residences will receive the workshop and presentation, and all sophs – upper-year students who mentor first-year undergraduates – will receive training. Workshops and presentations during the year are open to all students.
On Feb. 24, Bortolin spoke with half a dozen interested students and a local registered nurse about mental disorders, treating people with a mental illness with respect and services available from agencies. Attendees received a Holding on to Hope pin to identify them as supportive of those suffering from mental illness.
The goal of the pin is to turn mental health, which is invisible, into something that is visible and embraced by students.
The campaign will help break down barriers, says Shannon Johnson, a third-year nursing student who attended the presentation.
“I think people are scared and if people understand more, they won’t be as fearful,” she says. “Until you put a foot in their shoes and see how they are living, you don’t really understand.”
“Because we are in nursing we see first-hand how the stigma can affect people,” adds Sarah Haze, a third-year student. “I think society doesn’t understand mental illness … I think it’s really good that (the USC) are trying to raise awareness.”
Jennifer Wilson, a registered nurse and adolescent outreach counsellor at St. Joseph’s hospital, Regional Mental Health Care, heard Francis’ story and brought along a young person who is experiencing related struggles.
“This is the age often for people … when they are first away from home, there are lots of stressors, and often this is the time when we see major mental illness emerge. I think it’s really key that university campuses be well aware.”
Holding on to Hope Next presentation/workshop: March 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
USC council chambers,
3rd Floor, University Community Centre
