According to studies reported by CBC News, the number of students with mental illnesses has increased substantially in the past few years with more than half of students reporting symptoms. To address this many institutions, including Durham College, are looking at how to improve mental health issues on campus.

The Campus Health Centre is conducting their own research study to highlight the importance of a student’s mental health and the link between mental health and academic success. The findings of the self-assessment will be used in the formation of a comprehensive Mental Health Strategy which the college intends to use to promote awareness and the importance of good mental health on campus.

As part of this initiative, the Campus Health Centre is providing a free subscription to MyHealth magazine to students and staff. This resource provides accurate mental, physical and developmental health information and includes engaging interactive features.

The publication also provides tips for handling stress and depression, as well as how to practice self-care and smart decision making. The magazine is available for registration online with the use of a Durham College email address.

“As a health centre serving post-secondary students, we value mental health awareness of all staff and students,” said Amanda Cappon, mental health worker, Campus Health Centre. “The MyHealth magazine is one way of meeting this goal. To be aware means we are better able to intervene at an early stage. Early intervention has been demonstrated through research to reduce the negative outcomes of mental health issues.”

The Campus Health Centre provides a wide range of services to students during demanding times of the year. Twice a month, the centre has student volunteers called mental health promoters from the Addictions and Mental Health graduate certificate program stationed at a booth to speak to fellow students.

“The booth is intended to create mental health awareness, to ‘talk the talk’ and to promote self-care by informing students of support available in the health centre,” said Cappon.