Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national public education campaign intended to shine a light on the reality of mental illness.  During these challenging times, as we all wake up each day faced with another day of coping with our daily routines, while we are reminded of the limitations COVID-19 has placed on us, it is important to reflect on how we are doing and assess our mental health wellness. We have learned a lot during the last 18 months about we need, and what we don’t need; what is important to us and what can we go without, and the many things we value from others and from ourselves.

That said, anxiety and depression are the most common issues that affect our mental health. As you reflect on your wellness, here are a few reminders to think about this week.

There is positive anxiety and negative anxiety; we experience both. Positive anxiety is when we feel excited, maybe nervous, but motivated to move forward. Negative anxiety can make us feel anxious in an uncomfortable way, upset stomach, maybe difficulty sleeping or eating.

Here are a few coping strategies to help you manage anxiety and depression.

• Accept that some anxiety and fear is normal
• Stop negative thoughts, turn them around to positives in the moment
• Focus on what works for you, don’t compare yourself to how others are coping
• Find a balance: Stay tuned in, but know when to take a breather
• Give yourself permission to do something fun and healthy (e.g. TV, friends, exercise).

• Deal with problems in a structured way, focus on what’s in your control

• Remember that you are resilient and be careful with the "What ifs"
• Try some breathing exercises to ease the anxiety (Breathe in, count to 3, breath out count to 3, repeat 5 times. Do again if you are still feeling anxious).

Depression can affect us at different times of our lives and even different seasons. We may find our moods going up and down, this is normal. Focus on the impact your moods have on you. Do they interfere with school/work and personal relationships? Do your moods have a negative effect on your emotions, thoughts, behaviours and/or physical well-being? 

It’s ok not to be ok… if any of these signs and symptoms resonate with you, please reach out and talk to someone. You are not alone; help begins HERE. 

Need someone to talk to? 

FREE CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORTS for our STUDENT community

You are invited to connect with our in-house Counsellor, Ms. Karen Rice krice@cmcc.ca. In addition, ALL CMCC students can access the Student Assistance Plan (SAP) program called Empower Me: a mental health and wellness service that offers confidential and accessible support in multiple languages. Call 1 844-741-6389 to connect with trained counsellors, consultants, and life coaches 24/7, 365 days/year for a variety of issues. For more information please visit www.studentcare.ca.

SUPPORTS for our EMPLOYEES

You are invited to connect with the Director, Human Resources and Employment Engagement Sharlene Browne sbrowne@cmcc.ca.  In addition, CMCC offers 24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through our third party vendor ComPsych. Contact EAP services at Tel: 866 641 3847 or online by visiting guidanceresources.com and enter WEBID: CMCCEAP

Sincerely,

Campus Health