The University of British Columbia
UBC - A Place of Mind
The University of British Columbia
Office of the President
  • The President
    • About the President
    • The President’s Medal of Excellence
      • 2018 Recipients
      • 2019 Recipients
    • Past Presidents
  • Leadership Team
    • Office of the President Staff
    • Executive Opportunities
  • Communications
  • Refreshing Our Strategic Plan
    • Engagement Opportunities
      • 25-Year Vision Summary of Themes
    • Planning Process and Principles
    • Project Governance
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us
    • Request the President’s Participation
Home / Featured / 2021 / January / 25 / Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

January 25, 2021

Mental illness affects every one of us, either directly or through those we love. And it affects people of all ages and walks of life, including members of the UBC community.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canada for those between the ages of 15 and 24, and the second leading cause of death in the United States for those between the ages of 10 and 19.

And COVID-19 has only made things worse. Since the start of the pandemic, 27 per cent of Canadian post-secondary respondents have contemplated suicide, 30 per cent said they’ve considered quitting school and 29 per cent have considered self-harm. Black, Indigenous, and people of colour in particular have been impacted.

But many students won’t seek help because there is still a stigma around mental illness.

In fact, 62 per cent of young Canadians with mental health issues are reluctant to seek help because of the stigma associated with it. They fear the reactions of their peers, of their professors, of their families. Or they worry that it may impact their academic standing or their career prospects.

Of course, it’s not only students. Faculty and staff are also affected.

That’s why it’s important to talk openly and honestly about mental health.

And that’s why UBC is proud to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 28. Bell Let’s Talk Day raises funds for mental health initiatives and aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness. You can find out more about Let’s talk Day at letstalk.bell.ca.

UBC is committed to help. We offer a variety of free mental health and wellbeing resources for students and for all members of the UBC community.

If you’re a student, you can find help at students.ubc.ca/health and at students.ok.ubc.ca/health-wellness.

Faculty and staff resources are available at hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing.

We’re committed to fostering an environment where every member of the UBC community can thrive—and that means understanding how to maintain good mental health and where to go for support.

Here are some things we can all do, to help each other and ourselves:

  • Be kind: A simple act of kindness can make all the difference for someone who is struggling.
  • Listen and ask: One of the hardest things about mental illness is feeling isolated. Because of COVID-19 and physical distancing requirements, isolation is a more common experience than ever before.  Take a moment to let someone know you care and you’re here to listen.
  • Talk about it: If you’re facing a mental health challenge, talking to someone can help. The path to mental health can start with one conversation. When we share stories about mental illness, we help to reduce its stigma—and pave the way for someone who’s struggling to ask for help.
  • Reach out if you need support.

Show that you care, on Bell Let’s Talk Day and every day. Let’s end the stigma.

Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor

 

Latest Updates

  • Support for those impacted by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival
  • Message from the President: Provide your feedback on UBC’s emerging priorities by April 11
  • UBC Tribute to Peter Wall
  • UBC Tribute to David McLean
  • Message from the President: Share your thoughts on UBC’s vision for the future
Follow ubcprez on social media

Office of the President
7th Floor, Walter C. Koerner Library
1958 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2
Website president.ubc.ca
Email presidents.office@ubc.ca
Find us on
    
Back to top
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility