Today, on World Mental Health Day, guest columnist Malia Robinson highlights events taking place today and suggests ongoing ways we can take better care of our mental health.
Robinson completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, where she majored in Women & Gender Studies and minored in Contemporary Asian Studies and Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health. Within these disciplines, she explored the social, emotional, and physiological impacts of trauma and developed a keen interest in different healing practices. This exploration led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at U of T’s Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, where she is specializing in Mental Health & Health and completing her second-year practicum at St. Michael’s, supervised by Emily VanBerkum-Farahat as Manager of Community Wellness.
Greetings, staff and faculty at St. Michael’s. My name is Malia Robinson. I am a Master of Social Work student, specializing in Mental Health & Health, currently completing my second-year practicum supporting St. Mike’s Community Wellness portfolio.
Did you know that Thursday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day? This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of improving mental health in the workplace. There is lots taking place on campus to nurture our personal and communal wellbeing and show our support for the destigmatization of mental health and help seeking. If you are able, please check out one or all of the activities below:
- Check out the book collection Kelly Library curated for World Mental Health Day!
It will be available at the circulation desk all month long.
- Check out the “Be Kind to Your Mind” event, which will feature several mindful activity stations for you to explore in the COOP on October 10 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
- Check out the play “Every Brilliant Thing” (a powerfully uplifting play about depression) hosted by the SMC Troubadours, which will run in the Senior Common Room on Oct. 17 from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Oct. 18 from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Oct. 19 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:00 p.m.
- And check out the “Relaxation Station,” which will host a variety of stress-relieving activities (including an upper body massage by a registered massage therapist, a guide to learning self-massage techniques, guided meditation, and healthy refreshments) in Fr. Madden Hall on October 23 from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
As the academic year takes off, an awareness of our struggles, curiosity towards new self-care activities, and willingness to reach out for additional help if needed is critical. Not only does self-care prevent burnout and help us balance our physical, mental, and emotional needs, etc., it can be regarded as a “strategy for success” where even the smallest changes can accumulate and yield meaningful long-lasting results!
Understanding this, SMC Wellness integrated this holistic approach into all Wellness Week activities and events. As part of my practicum experience, I want to support programs and initiatives that cultivate an environment where students, staff, and faculty feel comfortable talking about mental health, feel encouraged to engage in meaningful community-building activities that boost their health and wellbeing, and are aware of all the opportunities to practice self-care on campus.
On a weekly basis, students are encouraged to take a break from their busy schedules at the Wellness Studio’s “Relaxation Zone,” where they can practise mindful meditation, engage in gentle stretching, practice breathing exercises, draw, journal, and connect with their peers. Throughout the school year, students can also participate in a variety of events that offer a range of therapeutic benefits. These events include a “Farm-Friends Visit” where students experienced the joys of animal-assisted therapy, and a “Picnic & Play” event where participants enjoyed the stress-relieving benefits of light exercise on a beautiful sunny day.
While staff and faculty may not have the same access to resources as students, there are many things we can do on campus that address our health and wellness and boost our resilience to life’s stressors. If you are interested in getting started on your self-care journey, here are some quick and easy activities which can be done at your desk, on campus during your lunch break, or before/after work. You can:
- Do some gentle stretches at your desk.
- Explore Kelly Library’s Rare Book Collection.
- Check out the events happening at Hart House.
- Utilize the light therapy lamps at Robarts library.
- Listen to guided mindfulness meditations or breathing exercises.
- Enjoy the meditation/prayer/quiet rooms at the Multi-Faith Centre.
- Check out the beautiful green spaces around St. Mike’, U of T, and Queen’s Park.
- Apply your staff and faculty discount toward a Sport & Rec membership which gives you access to gym and strength-training facilities, women-only drop-ins, drop-in sports and lane swimming, a steam room, and family programs where children get-in for free!
When trying these new activities, it is important to remember that different types of practices address different areas of our lives; what works for one person might not work for you, and self-care activities are most effective when done consistently. With this in mind, try a broad range of activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, be honest about your likes and dislikes, and give yourself time to notice the cumulative effects of daily self-care! I want to wish everyone a happy World Mental Health Day. I hope that everyone is able to check out the events happening on campus and discover self-care activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, boost your resilience, and help you move closer toward your personal health and wellness goals!