University encouraging everyone to become Mindsight-certified

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week in Canada (Monday, May 7 through Sunday, May 13), the University of Ontario Institute of Technology invites everyone in the community to become Mindsight-certified.

Wendy Stanyon, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, developed Mindsight as a free, easy-to-use online educational resource designed to reduce stigma by promoting awareness of mental illness, and facilitating a greater understanding of basic strategies and resources for supporting individuals experiencing a mental health challenge.

Mindsight takes approximately two hours to complete and you do not have to complete it in one session. Mindsight addresses stigma and highlights the signs and symptoms of nine common mental illnesses:

It also includes self-help strategies; strategies for helping a friend, colleague or family member; possible treatment options; and available community resources.

Using fast facts, videos and personal testimonials, you can easily navigate through the learning material.

At the end of each of the sections, there is a short quiz based on the material you have just reviewed. If you chose to complete the quizzes, you can apply for a certificate of completion.

Important fast facts about mental illness

• In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health or addiction problem.
• By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, one in two have—or have had—a mental illness.
• Three million Canadians live with depression.
• Up to 45 per cent of individuals with an anxiety disorder also experience challenges related to depression at one point or another during their lifetime.
• More than 4,000 Canadians per year die by suicide—an average of almost 11 suicides a day. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death on post-secondary campuses.
• Canadians are the highest per-capita users of psychiatric medications in the world.
• Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada.
• In any given week, at least 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental health challenges. This includes:
  • Approximately 355,000 individuals on disability due to mental illness.  
  • Approximately 175,000 full-time workers absent from work due to mental health challenges.

To become Mindsight-certified, visit mymindsight.uoit.ca.