SUSO Destigmatizes Mental Health words Lauren Ed wards illustrations Sheku Naf isi
content warning: this article discusses self-harm.
November is the highest-suicide rated month of the academic year for post-secondary students. As we
mentally healthy according to the Canadian Mental Health Association—specifically the British Columbia division.
creep closer, consider Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO)’s tagline “don’t let mental health be the elephant in
From September 30 to October 4, SUSO provides services
the room”
and resources out of their “mental health toolbox” like Doggy De-Stress, a free suicide prevention training workshop called
Between October and November, post-sec-
QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer), social outings, and
ondary students experience the weight of
fitness-oriented activities. The central theme throughout the
mid-term exams, taking five or more courses,
weeklong event is destigmatizing mental health.
working, and possibly applying for co-op and industry jobs. These factors auto-
THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH
matically eat up time that could be spent with family and friends, getting a good night’s sleep,
dians experience a significant mental health problem or illness. This means most of us will know someone who has experienced a mental health problem.” The mental wellness
exercising, or making
week strives to “to eliminate stigma, increase awareness and
nutritional meals. These are
create an inclusive, caring campus.” Unfortunately, suicidal
the top tips for staying
22
According to SUSO’s website “In any given year, 1 in 5 Cana-
thoughts can still be present and can take lives.
linkbcit.ca
