Durham College and Durham Mental Health Services to host Mind Your Body Day Posted on September 20, 2012 at 9:50 am. Organizations working together to encourage mental health awareness September 20, 2012 OSHAWA, Ont. – When individuals refer to being in good health they are often referring to their physical health. However, students can face real challenges to their mental well-being as well. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one in five people will suffer from some form of mental illness at some point in their lives, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in the 15 to 24 age group. In addition, a 2011 survey by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services indicated that the three factors affecting student academic performance most were stress (38 per cent), anxiety (26 per cent) and sleep difficulties (26 per cent). To help educate students about mental health issues and promote the many free health services available to them at Durham College and in the community, the college and Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS) are teaming up to host Mind Your Body Day on Thursday, September 27. “The general public is learning what mental health service providers have long known,” said Rob Adams, executive director, DMHS. “There is increasing recognition that mental health problems are normal, common and treatable and that there is no shame in seeking support. This partnership with Durham College helps us reach a population that may experience mental health issues but not know where to turn for help.” Designed to raise awareness of mental health, fight stigma and provide information about local resources, the day will include displays and information from: Aspiria Corporation; Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA Durham); Distress Centre Durham; Durham Rape Crisis Centre; Family Services Durham; Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences; Ontario Disability Support Program; Oshawa Psychological and Counselling Services; and Pinewood Centre (Addiction Support) of Lakeridge Health Oshawa (Pinewood Centre). In addition there will be a series of 30-minute presentations on topics relevant to students including effective time management, problem drinking/drug use and dealing with stress and anxiety. Presenters include: Heather Bickle, health promotion educator, CMHA Durham (presenting What Is This Thing Called Mental Health?), 11 a.m.; Eric Rubel, national clinical director, Aspiria Corporation (presenting Dealing With Anxiety…No Worries!), 11:30 a.m.; Shannon Everette, instructor specialist, Can-Fit (presenting How Yoga Can Help You), noon; David Clarke, co-ordinator of Communications and Training, DMHS (presenting Making The Most Of Your Time), 12:30 p.m.; and Alex Bassermann, addictions counsellor, Pinewood Centre (presenting Substance Use – Let’s Talk!), 1 p.m.). “Awareness of the issues affecting a person’s mental and physical health along with the de-stigmatization of mental health is a priority for Durham College’s Health Centre,” said Kathy Lazenby, director, Campus Health Services, Durham College. “Our goal is to support the needs of our students by partnering with community agencies to ensure accessible services both on and off of campus thereby contributing to our students ‘ability to have a successful life.” Who: Durham College students, faculty and staff; and Representatives from community agencies. Where: Durham College Oshawa campus Vendors Alley (displays and information) Recognition Square (speakers) Gordon Willey building 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, Ont. When: Thursday, September 2710 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking: Enter off Simcoe Street North and proceed to the Commencement parking lot. For more information, please contact: Allison Rosnak Communications and Marketing Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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