What exactly defines mental health? Mental health includes social, emotional, and psychological well-being. It’s important in all stages of life and effects how people think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress and make decisions. Conversation about mental health should never be silenced, and it is very important to seek help when needed in order to keep your mental health in top shape!

January 30 is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness and conversation about mental health. Bell will donate 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, and use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Make sure you use #BellLetsTalk.

Several MacEwan University departments are supporting this cause and hosting events throughout campus leading up to and on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

  1. Table Displays (Jan 23-30) – Located throughout campus, these tables will engage students, staff, and the general public regarding mental health awareness and the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. There will be FREE Griffins tickets, mental health resources, wellness activities, Bell Let’s Talk Toques, and other prizing. Stop by and say hi.
  2. Bell Let’s Talk Word Bubbles (Jan 23-29) – Fill out a word bubble with your own personalized positive message about mental health. Word bubble are available throughout campus and will be posted on the pedway glass walls in Building 8. Let’s try to completely cover the pedway with positivity!
  3. Make Some Noise for Mental Health (Jan 25) – The Women’s hockey team will face off against the SAIT Trojans in their annual Make Some Noise Game. This game will focus on raising awareness around mental health. Puck drop at the Downtown Arena is at 7 p.m. Pick up your FREE ticket at Sport and Wellness, Residence, or any table display.
  4. Metro Cinema Evening; “Silver Linings Playbook” & Panel Discussion (Jan 29) – An evening of film and conversation. Following the screening, MacEwan experts will discuss mental health, ways to reduce the stigma, and promoting recovery. Tickets are $5 for post-secondary students (student ID required) and are available either at the door or online through Metro Cinema.  6:45 p.m. start.
  5. Write, Text, Tweet, Hashtag! (Jan 30) – on Bell Let’s Talk Day, join the conversation. Let’s raise awareness about mental health by writing messages on our Bell Let’s Talk banner (Building 8), texting, tweeting, calling, and using the social media filters. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BellLetsTalk for all your social media posts!
  6. Starting the Conversation: A Mental Health Speaker Series (Jan 30) – MacEwan Health Promotion and the Jack.org student club present this free series on mental health for students and public. The first session takes place on January 30, in the Kule Theatre (9-323) from 5:30- 7 p.m.
  7. Bell Let’s Talk Griffins Game (Feb 1) – Join the Griffins Volleyball teams as they play in their annual Bell Let’s Talk Game. The game is part of a USport initiative to help raise awareness for mental health. Griffins will play the U of C Dino’s in the David Atkinson gymnasium starting at 6 p.m., with the men’s game to follow. Pick up your FREE ticket at any table display, Sport and Wellness, or in Residence.

Join the conversation, and remember to be kind, listen, ask, and talk about it. Together, we can end the stigma around Mental Health.

By Eve Olson and Jess Walker

Eve is a first-year student in the Bachelor of Physical Education program at MacEwan University. She enjoys working out at the health and wellness centre numerous times a week. Jess is certified a Group Fitness instructor, teaching Barre and Older Adult Cardio here at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. She is also our Recreation Special Event Coordinator.