We all have mental health and we need to take care of it just like we take care of our physical wellness. 

A survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH) indicates that one in four (25%) Canadians aged 18 and older screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in spring 2021, up from one in five (21%) in fall 2020. Especially now, mental health affects us all and mental illness can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, educational and income levels. 

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, think about how we are going to care for your mental health and support our community.

The seven dimensions of mental health are social wellness, emotional wellness, physical wellness, occupational wellness, intellectual wellness, environmental wellness, and spiritual wellness. Watch our social media (@MacEwanWellness) starting January 23 for daily information on the seven dimensions of wellness.

This Mental Health Week, from January 24 to 28, MacEwan has a variety of ways to get connected, engage in self-care activities, and build a supportive campus community.

  1. Awareness booths January 24 to 28
    • Located around campus (Griff Landing and Building 8 second floor), stop by our tables to learn more about mental health and pick up resources and mental health swag.
  2. Mental Health themed workshops, speakers, and training January 24 to 28
  3. Mental Health Graffiti Boards January 24 to 28
    • Located around campus, you’ll find display boards filled with word bubbles where you can leave a message!
  4. Gratitude Boards January 24 to 28
    • Gratitude is the practice of being thankful and appreciative for something or someone in your life. Psychologists have found that, over time, feeling grateful boosts happiness and fosters both physical and psychological health, even among those already struggling with mental health problems. Grateful people feel less pain, less stress, sleep better, have more robust immune systems, have healthier relationships, and perform better academically and professionally. During mental health week, let’s purposefully pause and take some to reflect on what we are grateful for. We encourage you to jot it down on a sticky and post it on our gratitude walls, located around Sport and Wellness. This way, we will all be reminded of the importance of practicing gratitude, being thankful for what we have and counting our blessings.  
  5. Yoga for Stress Relief January 26
    • Ease the tension in your body and bring focus within yourself through mindful breathing and movements by joining us on Wednesday, January 26, from 12-1 p.m. for this in-person (8-202) and virtual yoga session. It will be a gentle practice open to all skills and abilities. Mats are available for in-person; however, participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own. Registration is required for the in-person option and to join virtually through Webex. No registration is required if you want to participate through Instagram Live. 
  6. Bell Let’s Talk Day January 26 
    • When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, join the conversation. Let’s raise awareness about mental health by texting, tweeting, calling, and using the social media filters. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BellLetsTalk for all your social media posts! Learn more about Bell Let’s Talk here! Or download some self-care content.
  7. Float January 28
    • On Friday, January 28, finish your week from 2 to 3:30 p.m., (choose a 30-minute reservation block) with some self-care by heading down to the pool for a relaxing float. Lighting will be dimmed, and relaxing music playing and innertubes will be provided. Distancing will be promoted through the float session. No swimming ability is required. Register ahead to reserve your spot. Drop-ins welcome day-of, space allowing. Participants are welcome to bring their inflatable and wear alternative swimwear provided they are clean and in good repair.  
  8. Wibit Swim January 28
    • On Friday, January 28, start your weekend with activity, fun and laughter. Join us from 4 – 5:30 p.m. for our first ever Wibit Swim at Sport and Wellness. Traverse the wiggle discs, climb the bridge, cross the step, and slide down the slope. How far can you make it in the course before falling off? Register ahead to reserve your spot. Drop-ins welcome day-of, space allowing.
  9. Get Active
    • Sport and Wellness has everything you need to help balance you mentally and physically year-round. We have a fitness centre, pool, hot tub, steam rooms, gymnasium; daily fitness and aquatic classes, sport leagues and personal training.