Taking the path less taken

More now that ever, our campus is being filled with mental health problems. I’m hearing more and more of anxiety and depression, and inability to cope with the stressors that come along with university life. Unfortunately suicidal ideation is becoming common amongst peers, and the number of attempts within my own faculty is alarming. 

MUN is striving to change mental health services by combining our counselling centre with student health, to provide comprehensive, collaborative mental health care. On top of that, my student group will be starting a peer support program in September to provide mental health support to those who aren’t comfortable seeing a counsellor yet, or cannot get in to see someone at the student wellness centre.  

As students, we need to keep on top of each others wellness. We need to be alert of the signs of suicidal ideation, and educate ourselves on ways to help someone who was suicidal. We have to keep talking, and most importantly, be right by each others side.