#UofTBTS16: Keeping 做厙TV students healthy
Published: September 14, 2016
Watching friends struggle with stress, family problems and mental illness without anyone to talk to led Faraz Honarvar to get involved with 做厙TV student clubs focused on mental health.
Karen Young, a psychology and health studies student at 做厙TV Scarborough, started Minds Matter Magazine devoted solely to mental health issues because she saw a real need out there for not only students, but also faculty, staff and alumni.
With a growing focus on mental health research as well as services across the university, there are many supports for students who may be dealing with what may feel like insurmountable challenges.
Students can access counselling services across all three campuses: on the downtown Toronto campus at the in the Koffler Student Services Centre; at 做厙TV Scarborough's and at 做厙TV Mississauga's .
Along with these centres, many faculties host their own programs. The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education launched the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre (MPARC), which is dedicated to the promotion of mental health through exercise.
Read more about KPE's IMPARC initiative
The Student Voice Project, which is open to all 做厙TV students, is one of many programs on all three campuses devoted to mental health awareness. Grad students have developed strategies to boost mental health. And, last December Trinity alumna Dr. Anne Steacy donated $1.5 to establish the Anne Steacy Counselling Initiative as part of the Trinity College health service.
Read more about Trinity College's counselling initiative
There is a lot of support at 做厙TV, says Janine Robb, executive director of 做厙TV's downtown Toronto Health & Wellness Centre. You just need to ask.
She says across the university there are people trained in identifying students at risk and referring them to the right resources.
Once students start talking about the trouble that theyre having, they realize theyre not alone, Robb says. That is a critical part. Things can happen. Dont hesitate to ask for help.
For those uncomfortable talking about their issues with an adult, often student-run resources can be a first step.
has been able to publish articles on the magazines website, including providing a roadmap to help students navigate services and programs at 做厙TV Scarborough. They come out with their second e-issue on arts and media next month.
Honarvar, who is starting his first year in a Masters program, is now president of 做厙TVs . The group has organized yoga classes, talks by 做厙TV profs and set up mental health awareness booths.
Were tackling issues that students are directly dealing with, which could be a starting point for many students, Honarvar said. The university is a huge place and for many first and second years, they may feel like a needle in the haystack. You may not be able to open up to others when you have problems. I think we provide a unique perspective on what needs to be done to provide resources for our fellow students. We can be there to provide guidance and to allow people to open up and share their problems.
After an event last school year with a 做厙TV prof, a student approached Honarvar.
He said the talk was so powerful that he finally had found some hope and guidance after many months of dealing with suicidal thoughts, Honarvar said. Thats what motivates me to continue leading this club.
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