As post-secondary students get into the swing of classes and extracurricular activities, academic, financial and personal challenges can contribute to significant stress, anxiety and depression. A few students may even contemplate suicide, which is the second most common cause of death for individuals aged 18 to 24. This fall, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has compiled a variety of tips, programs and resources for post-secondary students to enhance student mental and physical health, help them save money and make the most of their campus experience.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario also addresses the mental health of post-secondary students. CMHA, Ontario leads the Centre for Innovation on Campus Mental Health (CICMH), in partnership with Colleges Ontario, the Council of Ontario Universities, the College Student Alliance and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance.
The CICMH is funded by the MTCU and the goals of the project include the creation of a Community of Practice (CoP) to connect a broad cross-section of stakeholders in Ontario. This includes student leaders, service providers, faculty, administrators and community agencies.
Through their interactions and relationships with the CoP, individuals can share knowledge and experiences, promising practices, address challenges, collaborate and address gaps in knowledge, research and practice. The CoP also facilitates access to community-based expertise and provides professional development to enhance capacity to meet the needs of students with complex mental health and addiction concerns.
Another goal of the CICMH is to identify innovative ideas and approaches that address gaps and enhance practice in student mental health services and programs. With appropriate supports, students can achieve their full potential.
For more information about the Centre for innovation in Campus Mental Health, please visit the website or contact info@campusmentalhealth.ca