Cambrian College promotes mental health awareness this week on campus

Cambrian College was certified two years ago to teach mental health first aid to faculty and students.

Staff at Sudbury’s Cambrian College say there are actively trying to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

The school plans to discuss mental health issues as part of Bell Let’s Talk Day on Wednesday.

The college is training faculty and students about how to spot symptoms of mental health issues.

A student support advisor at Cambrian said staff at the school now feel more equipped to help students who may need support.

« We’re noticing how comfortable even professors are … you know, picking up the phone and calling us to say that they’re dealing with someone, [and saying] ‘What do I do?’, » Roni Sue Brown said.

« I think by giving this education to them … it’s giving them some comfort in knowing what to say. »

The school has been certified to teach mental health first aid since November 2013, Brown said, adding that 479 personal appointments were made last year from April 2014 to May 2015. That’s a 35% increase from the year before.

More students are reaching out for help when times get tough, Brown said.

« It’s making students more comfortable to say, ‘hey! I’m struggling right now. I need help, I don’t know where to get that help’, » Brown said.

Article retrieved from CBC News Website.