Infosheets

This document provides some examples of mental health strategies within various post-secondary institutions in Ontario. We have also included documents with relevant recommendations put forward by some campuses on creating mental health policy and strategy. This is not an exhaustive list as some of the documents cannot be accessed online. If you would like to see your campus on this list or would like us to update one of the links below, please contact: info@campusmentalhealth.ca.

As you navigate through a new partnership, it is easy to get lost in the excitement of it. Establishing a partnership that has shared visions and goals is compelling and inspiring but maintaining a sustainable partnership and reducing those ‘growing pains’ can prove to be a challenge. Once your partnership is established, using these tips below can get you started in working towards maintaining an intentional and collaborative relationship with your partner(s).

The demand for post-secondary student mental health services and supports is increasing. Campuses and community health organizations are struggling to meet this growing demand. Meanwhile, individual campuses and community agencies have unique skills, resources and/or approaches that would benefit other partners. Developing and strengthening partnerships between community mental health agencies and public post-secondary institutions can enable all service providers to better support the needs of post- secondary students. This infosheet summarizes last year's projects.

The primary objective of this project was to conduct a needs assessment (November 2022-January 2023) to identify existing gaps in supporting Indigenous post-secondary student mental health and well-being across Ontario​. We hoped to understand better how to improve mental health services for Indigenous students from both a student and staff perspective.

In this infosheet, we will take the time to problematize some of the pillars of resilience in order to improve our understanding of the concept.

This infosheet is aimed specifically at international students. For many students moving to Canada may result in culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling of being disoriented when entering a new and different culture. As an international student, you are likely making constant adjustments to climate, campus life, time zones, food, language, and social rules or rules of behaviour. This infosheet provides critical information on factors that lead to culture shock, the stages of culture shock, and tips for coping with it.

This infosheet is aimed specifically at students. Winter in Canada can bring many changes to the quality of our daily experience. The days get shorter and greyer. The weather is colder, and it may lead us to spend more time indoors. International students who have not experienced winter may find this time especially challenging to their mental wellness. Symptoms such as low energy, irritability, and low mood can arise. This infosheet provides valuable information on the difference between winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as well as helpful tips to prevent and manage SAD or winter blues.

This infosheet is aimed specifically at students. Stress and Anxiety among post-secondary students has always been a prevalent issue on campus. In a 2019 survey, 87% of post-secondary students across Canada reported feeling overwhelming anxiety, and only 24% were receiving treatment for it. A 2021 survey showed international students were deeply impacted by the pandemic, where 50% of students from 84 countries responded that they were at risk of anxiety disorders with social isolation, mental exhaustion and panic attacks. This infosheet provides valuable information on the origins of stress and anxiety, how to manage them, and how to seek support.

This infosheet is aimed specifically at students. As a student, meeting deadlines, adjusting to new time zones, and feelings of stress, may lead you to struggle with sleep and rest. Data from the spring 2019 National College Health Assessment survey suggests that 29% of students have sleep difficulties that are affecting their academic studies. This infosheet provides valuable information on different kinds of sleep and rest, their benefits, and some tips for better sleep hygiene.