A Time Sensitive Matter

In December 2015 The Ryersonian, Ryerson’s Student Newspaper, released an article about the wait times for counseling. We cannot treat mental illness like a check up appointment, this issue is time sensitive, and longer wait times could put student’s well-being in danger.

As a growing number of students line up for mental health services, Ontario university counselling centres look for more resources and alternative care models to mitigate wait times. How much longer can students wait for help?

To read up the issue, visit http://ryersonian.ca/students-who-need-help-left-waiting-for-counselling-services/

Ryerson Resources To Serve You

Here are some fantastic resources available to Ryerson students!

Counselling –

ryerson.ca/counselling

416-979-5195

Location: JOR 07C

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Health Promotion

ryerson.ca/heathpromotion

416-979-5000 ext. 4295

Location: KHW 279

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Academic Accommodation

www.ryerson.ca/studentlearn…/academic-accommodation-support/

416-979-5290

Location: POD 61B

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http://ryerson.ca/healthandwellness/counselling/

http://www.ryerson.ca/mentalhealth/wellbeing_at_ryerson/

http://www.ryerson.ca/healthandwellness/healthpromotion/students/mentalhealth/

 

 

Finally Some Recognition!

The Guardian posted an article earlier this year that brought awareness to students struggling with the invisible illness of mental health. The article states:

When you picture university medical centres, you might think of stereotypical student complaints. Alcohol induced injuries, fresher’s flu, emergency contraception – the consequences of a certain type of student lifestyle. But there may also be students like me in the waiting room, who have “invisible illnesses”.

An invisible illness is defined as an “illness that lasts a year or longer, limits activity and may require ongoing care”. It could be anything, from chronic pain, to much more serious lifelong conditions such as lupus and ME.

They are illnesses you may have heard about, but when you look at someone who suffers from one of them, such as I do, you don’t see anything wrong. We might come across as lazy, or not game to do things. We might get seemingly unfair treatment, such as essay extensions. But if there’s one thing I hope to achieve from writing this, it’s that you might begin to understand how hard it is to live with an invisible illness.

To read the full article, visit https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/20/no-one-sees-how-hard-it-is-for-students-with-an-invisible-illness

As If School Work Wasn’t Enough?

The Guardian has recently posted an article that has highlighted the effects of rising tuition fees on University students. The article says:

A surge in the number of students at top universities using mental health services is due in part to the hike in tuition fees to £9,000, campaigners have said, adding that financial stress is linked to anxiety and depression.

More than 43,000 students had counselling at Russell Group institutions in the academic year 2014-15, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, compared to 34,000 only three years earlier.

The 28% jump in university students seeking counselling coincides with the trebling of tuition fees to £9,000, the mental health charity Mind pointed out.

But the rate of increase varied dramatically between institutions, suggesting other environmental factors may also have contributed to the rise.

To read the full article, visit https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/13/tuition-fees-have-led-to-surge-in-students-seeking-counselling

#NewMentality

#NewMentality is here to help you! We strive to help Ryerson students dealing with mental illnesses by providing a connective platform for local resources and support programs.

We aim to inform the Ryerson community about the effects of the stigmatization of mental illness, and how to help people living with these issues.

We want to bring these issues to light, and make life easier for these indivudals suffering from mental illness. We are here for you!

Connect with us and check out our other social media accounts for more information:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/newmentalitycmn/

Twitter @newmentality_

Instagram @newmentality_

Mental Illness Is A Crisis

When it comes to Mental Illness among University students, it’s nothing we haven’t heard before. Mental Illness is an on going crisis that has yet to be resolved. As stress is building and times are getting tough, student’s mental health can easily lag behind. Ryerson students need not to be ashamed of their struggle, but seek help for it!

McLean’s online magazine posted an article from 2013 (which demonstrates just how long this has been a rising issue) in regards to the rise and effects of mental illness among university students.

Ryerson was mentioned!

Last year, Ryerson University’s centre for student development and counselling in Toronto saw a 200 per cent increase in demand from students in crisis situations: “homeless, suicidal, really sick,” says Dr. Su-Ting Teo, director of student health and wellness. Colleagues at other schools noticed the same. “I’ve met with different key people. They’re saying last year was the worst they’ve ever seen,” says psychologist Gail Hutchinson, director of Western University’s student development centre in London. “The past few years, it’s been growing exponentially.” Fully a quarter of university-age Canadians will experience a mental health problem, most often stress, anxiety or depression.

To read the full article, visit http://www.macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/the-mental-health-crisis-on-campus/

A Change Needs To Happen, And It Needs To Happen NOW.

CBC recently released an article about the increase in support needs for Ontario students attending University. Below are statistics that were highlighted in the article:

  • 65 per cent of students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the previous year (up from 57 per cent in 2013).

  • 46 per cent reported feeling so depressed in the previous year it was difficult to function (up from 40 per cent in 2013).

  • 13 per cent had seriously considered suicide in the previous year (up from 10 per cent in 2013).

  • 2.2 per cent reported attempting suicide in the last year (up from 1.5 per cent in 2013).

  • Nine per cent reported attempting suicide sometime in the past (not restricted to last year).

These numbers are scary. This issue can no longer be dismissed or swept under the rug. Universities need to recognize that students need assistance.

“I don’t want to be too hyperbolic, but the truth is, lives are at stake,” said Meg Houghton, president of the Ontario University and College Health Association

To read the full article, visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/mental-health-ontario-campus-crisis-1.3771682