Ukelele in hand, the performer on-stage introduces himself, saying “Hi, I’m Shawn, and I have anxiety”. The scene becomes even more moving when this is followed by a cheer from the crowd and a spattering of encouragement and agreement.
When we share our stories and experiences with mental health, everyone wins. Like Shawn, we can give and gain encouragement at the same time, all the while reducing stigma and creating a discourse that leads to healing.
At Trent’s Active Minds we are dedicated to connecting students with the tools they need as they make their way through their post-secondary journey.
We act as a liaison between students and resources available on campus and in the community, and we take a holistic and preventative approach to mental health.
Our focus is on encouraging healthy lifestyle choices in regards to self-care, nutrition, fitness, sexual health, spirituality, and social life.
By catalyzing a free and open conversation about mental health on campus we hope to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Post-secondary students are especially vulnerable to struggles with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Through a proactive approach to well-being, Active Minds strives to provide programming that encourages students and provides them with the tools to take responsibility for their health, reduce stress, and achieve their fullest potential in life.
Active Minds holds open, weekly meetings and hosts a number of events for students and community members during the year. This year our events include:
• A biweekly talking circle with an Indigenous counsellor
• A Mental Health Awareness Week Campaign
• Our second annual Wellness Symposium
• Our third annual Overflow Art Gala
• A No Stress Day around exam time
• Let’s Talk Symposium Event at the end of the academic year
We are always looking for volunteers to act as mental health advocates to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness!
We have opportunities for everyone to contribute and we would love to hear from you.
Contact us at: coordinator.activeminds@gmail.com, come out to one of our meetings, or for more information check us out on Facebook (Trent’s Active Minds) or visit our website at www.trentactiveminds.org.