UOIT knows mental health: removing barriers

On Bell Let’s Talk Day - Wednesday, January 27 – the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) highlights the importance of openly talking about mental illness as a way of eliminating stigma and supporting those who struggle with mental health conditions.

Several researchers at the university are engaged in projects related to mental health matters. Most recently, Dr. Victoria Smye, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the university’s Nursing program, played a key role in addressing the issue of stigma in the health care system by authoring an online curriculum for nurses and other health care workers. The curriculum, entitled De-Stigmatizing Practices and Mental Illness: Nurses Working Together to Support Mental Health and Well-Being, was developed with support from the Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. It was formally released on January 15 by the Canadian Nurses Association and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.

Other researchers working on mental health-related projects include:

• Dr. Wendy Stanyon, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences
• Jennifer Laffier, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education
• Dr. Matthew Shane, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, and Dr. Nathan Arbuckle, Post-doctoral Fellow in Dr. Shane’s laboratory

The university also offers a number of mental health-related resources for students. Student Mental Health Services, part of the Office of Student Life, has established the Student Mental Health Advisory Committee (SMHAC), which includes 11 student-members. The SMHAC focuses on developing mental health awareness, promoting ways to manage stress and build resiliency, and developing a comprehensive mental health peer support resources for students.

“Good mental health helps you cope well with the challenges of life – it is just as important as physical health and should not be ignored,” said Sara Stephen, third-year Communication and Digital Media Studies student and SMHAC member. “For young adults, the university years can be a time of stress, brought on by transitions such as being away from home, experiencing academic pressure and feeling intimidated by the idea of preparing for the future. The Student Mental Health Committee is working on a number of initiatives to help students manage these stresses, and bring the university community together to be more accepting and understanding of mental health.”

The university’s President Tim McTiernan, PhD, has also shared his thoughts on mental health in the workplace.

To learn more, visit:

• Student Mental Health Services website, blog and Facebook page
• Mental health awareness resources for faculty and staff

Media contact:

Patricia Pickett
UOIT Communications and Marketing
905.721.8668 ext. 6710
patricia.pickett@uoit.ca