Everything that Happened at CBU's Mental Wellness Week

Although we've come a long way from the 18th century when people (especially women) suffering from mental health issues were considered to be possessed by evil supernatural powers and were often burnt alive, we still have a very long way to go when it comes to recognizing the importance of mental health in the overall personal well being of an individual.

Credit: Bethlem Hospital, London: the incurables being inspected by a member of the medical staff, with the patients represented by political figures. Drawing by Thomas Rowlandson, 1789. Credit: Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

CBU and CBUSU continue to show their commitment to mental health awareness by organizing wellness events for students and spreading awareness about mental health and the stigma associated with it during the CBU Week of Wellness. Navigating through one's mental health problems can be difficult, but getting help may ease the burden.

Mental Health awareness is particularly important because it’s not something you can see or figure out by just looking at someone, unlike most physical illnesses. You can be having a really good laugh at some point and find yourself feeling anxious right after that, but hey that’s really ok. If you are feeling down just look around you, there is always someone that you can talk to, whether it be friends, family, or co-workers. If you ever feel that you have nobody to talk to don’t you worry, CBU's got you covered. There are several resources to help you cope with mental distress:

CBUSU conducted a campaign to encourage people to talk about their mental health to show others that they aren't alone in this battle. Courtney DeGiobbi, Vice President of promotions at CBU is a firm believer that no one should struggle alone ever. She lives with a severe generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) along with mild depression.

“You might be thinking… But that’s not what those mental illnesses look like.”

- Courtney.

Courtney went through a lot before opening up about her mental health for almost 10 years. On average, a person will cope with their mental illness for 8 years in silence, but why suffer alone? According to her, you can’t always tell what someone is dealing with based on physical appearance, and mental health won’t define you as a person.

“I used to feel a sense of immense guilt… all the time… over every little thing. I felt like I was undeserving of the things I had and as though I was in the way everywhere I went. After seeking help… I realized that it’s much more fun to be unapologetically me.”

- Courtney.

Natalia “Tal” Parsons who is an Executive Chairperson for the student representative council (SRC) and the representative for Jennifer Keeping Center also suffers from anxiety as well as mild depression. But you wouldn’t guess that looking at her, would you? But she sought help later and proved that you don’t have to do this alone.

“Mental illness creates a narrative that we are not worthy, but please remember, we are all worthy- and our struggles make us unique, not unlovable or undeserving.”

- Natalia (Tal) Parsons

Along with the campaign to spread awareness about mental wellness, CBUSU also organized a refreshing event at fired creation on January 28th, 2021. During the mental wellness week, CBU students attending this event got $30 worth of pottery to paint from CBUSU in Fired Creations, Sydney's famous pottery cafe. Many students showed Here are some pictures from this event:

If you would like to share your battle with mental health send us your story at ct_editorinchief@cbu.ca and we will feature your article in our upcoming publication.