The Public Health Agency of Canada defines mental health as “the capacity to feel, think and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual wellbeing that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity”.
University students may sometimes find it difficult to maintain emotional health and wellbeing because of the many adjustments they must make when attending university, such as having to balance academics with life commitments. A 2013 National College Health Assessment found three major mental health-related inhibitors to academic success at Ryerson: stress, sleep difficulties, and anxiety.
Some people think that only people with mental illnesses must pay attention to their mental health. But the truth is that your emotions, thoughts, and attitudes affect your energy, productivity and overall health. Good mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday hassles and more serious crises and challenges. Good mental health is essential to creating the life you want.
No matter how stressful your situation, you can take steps to promote your wellbeing. – We're not talking about huge changes to your lifestyle, either. We're talking about reasonable steps that if used consistently can increase your comfort and boost your ability to build a rewarding life.
“Wellness” is a lifelong process of becoming aware of the choices and decisions you make, and how they can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. There are many different parts to your life , such as school, family, work and physical health. Although these may seem separate, they’re actually all connected so that when something in one area changes, it can affect other areas. As students, we often focus on our intellectual and financial needs and place our social wellbeing needs, last. But our wellness depends on keeping everything in balance as best we can. The Wheel of Well-Being is a tool that can help you keep things in balance and in perspective.
This website offers helpful, evidence-based tools and resources that will support your understanding of mental health, wellbeing, and mental disorders among youth (between ages 12-25).
Live Your Life Well campaign shares ten proven tools to help you feel stronger and more hopeful. Check out each page for easy-to-follow tips including how to eat well and how to stay positive.
This guide provides information for students on topics including time management, relationships, sexual activity, mental illness, suicide and addictions. It also includes mental health self-help information and recommendations where students can go to get help.
Check out some helpful information on how mental health impacts student life. Know the signs of stress, its causes and how to manage in order to promote and preserve good mental health.