Using the power of storytelling to support student mental health
The Counselling team of Student Services hosted an arts-based workshop on Feb. 25 to provide a safe space for 星空传媒视频 students to connect with each other, share stories and learn about resources to support mental health during this time of isolation.
About 45 students attended the workshop entitled Movies for Mental Health, presented by Art with Impact. The 90-minute event included three movies, a panel discussion and question time.
鈥淒uring the virtual mingle and panel discussion, students were interested, interactive and engaged,鈥� reported organizer Phani聽Papachristou, who works at Dawson in Counselling. 鈥淭hey shared their thoughts, feelings and reflections around the films about anxiety and depression. They also explored their self-care strategies and shared them with the group.鈥�
Some student feedback comments were:
- 鈥淭he workshop helped me realize there are resources out there for me; I am not alone.鈥�
- 鈥淚ncredibly user friendly. It did not feel forced like many conferences do. It surprised me.鈥�
- 鈥淭here isn’t one solution that works for everybody and as demonstrated by the panelists, there are many things you can do to improve your mental wellness.鈥�
- 鈥淭his workshop was affirming and a safe space for somebody who is perhaps unwilling to admit they may struggle with mental illness. I would recommend it to a friend who is curious as to what a mental health workshop looks like.鈥�
- 鈥淚 think I felt validated for seeking help, both on-campus and off-campus (so post Covid). I think the introduction of resources is especially important.鈥�
- 鈥淎 fascinatingly educational workshop, that might teach you something new and/or even ground you!!鈥�
- 鈥淚’ll definitely use the breathing exercises again to calm myself and my friends.鈥�
Phani wished to thank Allison MacNeil, Psychology intern from the Herzl Teenage Health Unit, and Tony Alfonso from Ami-Quebec for speaking about their resources.
Dawson psychologist Rebecca Lalonde was also a panelist.
Here is her reflection on the event:
鈥淐onnecting with the other panel members over our shared experiences helped me feel energized about the broader collective effort to support students. I found it especially valuable to hear how the other panelists have come to understand mental health in their own ways. 聽In addition to showcasing some incredibly moving and powerful short films, the event allowed for an honest discussion about mental health. Further, I found the wellness activities (e.g., body scan, mindful breathing) led by the facilitator throughout the event to be practical and refreshing. It was encouraging to see the students participate so actively. I found it really heartwarming to see their support of each other in the chat, too.鈥�
鈥淎 special thank you to Eleanor Greenspan, our student panelist, for her generosity and passion in sharing her story, and for inspiring her peers to reach out for support when they need it most,鈥� Phani said.
Resources:
Student Services, 星空传媒视频
