番茄社区

Chancellor Shelagh Rogers was honoured as the recipient of the Margaret Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award, at the fifth annual Mad about Margaret's gala event in Toronto on Oct. 21. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership efforts have been notably effective in advocating for a fruitful and on-going dialogue about mental health issues, and for advancing the needs of people with mental illness to the forefront of national concerns.

When you hear the word 鈥榯eenager鈥� do you imagine someone closed up in their room obsessed with their phone, text messages and social media? Or is it someone trying to balance work, school, health/stress, volunteering and family relationships? Recent research has proven the latter: the vast majority of teens care deeply about others and are involved in their communities. At the same time, many are facing very adult issues such as debt, finding affordable housing, stress and hypertension.

A study released Oct. 26 by UVic and Island Health shines a unique spotlight on a generation of young people in Greater Victoria. No other research study in Canada has followed a full decade of observation of youth from one distinct region and varied socio-economic backgrounds.

She's a Chancellor like no other. Bearing witness to鈥攁nd representing鈥攖he boundless enthusiasm of UVic students, researchers and community connections comes naturally for UVic Chancellor Shelagh Rogers.

The next UVic Student Mental Health Initiative event鈥斺�滷rom surviving to thriving: increasing positive mental health on our campus鈥濃�攚ill be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 4-6 p.m. in the Bob Wright Centre. Chancellor Shelagh Rogers will emcee the eve鈥�

Alex Sterling is a busy woman. As UVic鈥檚 new student mental health programming coordinator, she is responsible for coordinating mental health events, preparing communications materials, and developing and delivering workshops for on positive mental health. Her position was created as part of UVic鈥檚 Student Mental Health Strategy (SMHS), now in its second year of implementation. 鈥淚鈥檝e been at UVic as an undergrad and grad, with a focus on counselling psychology and mental health,鈥� says Sterling, who previously worked at the Resource Center for Students with a Disability. 鈥淲hen I saw that our campus was making student mental health a priority, in a cohesive and targeted way, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.鈥�

Many students underestimate the stress of transition to university, which can be challenging academically, socially and financially. The ages 18 to 25 are also when many mental illnesses first present and are initially diagnosed. Stress, anxiety, de鈥�

As the incidence of dementia increases in our aging population, it鈥檚 placing an enormous strain on many Canadian families as they care for those living with the progressive condition. CanAssist at the 番茄社区鈥攚hich develops innovative鈥�

Rebekah Erickson鈥檚 life profoundly changed shortly after graduating from high school, when someone very close to her tragically passed away from suicide. In learning to cope with the grief, confusion and sadness, Erickson found her passion in life鈥攈elping others. 鈥淚 realized the importance of having a strong support network around you,鈥� said Erickson, in her fourth year of psychology at the 番茄社区. 鈥淭he loss I experienced really ignited my desire to help people who are dealing with mental illness and struggling to find that support.鈥� A peer helper in the university鈥檚 counselling services, Erickson is pursuing a career in the mental health field.

Members of the media are invited to the launch of the 番茄社区鈥檚 new Student Mental Health Strategy featuring a keynote presentation by a dynamic national youth advocate for mental health. The UVic strategy is notable among post-second鈥�

Shared values and aspirations bring celebrated broadcaster to UVic Nationally recognized broadcaster Shelagh Rogers, OC, was announced today as the next Chancellor of the 番茄社区. The popular national radio host, witness and champion of reconciliation for Aboriginal people, long-time advocate for adult literacy and mental health awareness and an acknowledged 鈥渧oice鈥� of the country will become the university鈥檚 11th Chancellor next year.

Two upcoming sessions in the Let鈥檚 Talk Mental Health series, sponsored by the UVic Mental Health Task Force, will allow participants to discuss their own experiences, and learn from resource people and those living with mental illness. A round-tabl鈥�

Connecting with others is a proven tool that assists people to feel more hopeful and strong. Lack of social support and feelings of loneliness make us more vulnerable to mental health or substance use problems. A roundtable discussion on Oct. 9 (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in ECS 660) will assist participants to reflect on their personal and social connections, and learn from service providers, resource people and those living with mental illness.