The Mental Health Series
Did you know that Saint Mary’s is the only university in Halifax offering access to a four-part mental health training opportunity for faculty and staff?
50% of professors say they are confused about how they should handle situations when students are in distress (Hughes, Panjwani, Tulcidas, & Byrom, 2018). “Responding to student mental health problems is now an inevitable part of the academic role,” however, many faculty and staff feel that the structures and cultures do not exist to support them doing that work (Hughes et al., 2018). They also report feeling unprepared for the demands placed on them due to student mental health concerns while they experience negative personal impacts from the role demands (Hughes et al., 2018).
The Mental Health Series aims to increase your confidence supporting students in distress. You must proceed through the first three sessions in sequence. A certificate is provided to those who complete the first three sessions.
The Mental Health Series dates are as follows:
Mental Health 101 – Monday, October 21 at 10am-Noon
Mental Health 202 – Monday, November 4 at 10am-Noon
Mental Health 303 – Monday, November 18 at 10am-Noon
International Student Mental Health – Monday, November 25 at 1:30-2:30pm
Students often present to faculty and staff in distress and Mental Health 101 helps to increase confidence supporting those students. MH101 is a short, informative session during which attendees will learn the signs a student may be in distress, along with how to approach those students and have a supportive conversation. Information about on and off campus resources will also be presented. Mental Health 101 can be completed online through Brightspace.
Mental Health 101 – Monday, October 21 at 10am-Noon
Mental Health 202 presents more detailed information about three of the top five concerns that students report impede their academic performance: stress, anxiety and depression.
The signs that a student may be struggling with stress, anxiety and/or depression will be discussed while practical strategies to help them during difficult moments (i.e. writing an exam) will be taught. Self-care practices, including boundary setting, for faculty and staff will also be explored. Those interested in attending MH202 MUST first attend MH101.
Mental Health 202 – Monday, November 4 at 10am-Noon
Mental Health 303 is a session dedicated to discussion of suicide. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people age 10-24, which encompasses a large potion of students on our campus.
Attendees will become knowledgeable of the warnings signs of suicide in student populations while gaining an understanding of risk in order to select the most appropriate referral source. Some time will be devoted to skill practice to increase confidence talking about suicide with students. Those interested in attending MH303 MUST have attended MH101 and MH202 first.
Mental Health 303 – Monday, November 18 at 10am-Noon
Approximately 33% of Saint Mary’s students are international and we know that international students face unique stressors.
This session explores the unique stressors international students may experience and how those stressors can impact mental health. The difference between expected cultural adjustment and mental health concerns will be discussed. Material will be presented by a representative of The Counselling Centre, a student Peer Supporter and a representative from The International Centre. Those interested in attending MUST have attended MH101 first.
International Student Mental Health – Monday, November 25 at 1:30-2:30pm
How to Register
You can join the Mental Health Series in person via live workshops. Sign up using the Mental Health Series online registration form.
Mental Health 101 is also available virtually, via Brightspace, to complete at your own pace. To register for Mental Health 101 on Brightspace, please email counselling@smu.ca with your name, A#, S#, and email address. We will forward your information along to the Software and Application Support Centre (SAS) within The Studio and you should have access within 3 business days. Please note, if you do not already have a Brightspace account created, one will have to be created for you. The first step is to send us an email.
The Counselling Centre at
Saint Mary's University
O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
Fourth Floor, Room 406
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 3C3
Phone: 902-420-5615