When we talk about mental or psychological health, we’re talking about our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. How we experience and navigate these aspects of our mental-well being is a unique endeavour. Take some time to explore the various resources below to help your learn more on your path to mental health.

Not sure where to start? Here are some links to self-assessments. Check in with yourself, and assess your mental fitness, stress level or overall mental health.

Self-Assessments

Mental Health Meter (CMHA)

Stress Index (CMHA)

Mental Well-Being Quiz (BC)

Apps & Websites

Check out this resource with a list of helpful tools, websites and apps. Please note that the section on “A Place to Relax” has not been updated to reflect current Covid-19 restrictions or protocols. 

The Student Wellness Centre also has a comprehensive list of helpful apps and websites for a wide array of health topics.

Additional Resources

Well-Being for your Mind

Mental Health Resources

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Psychological Well-Being during COVID-19

Supporting Faculty and Staff in Distress

Photo-Voice Activity 

Our physical (and virtual) environments have a large impact on our wellness in ways that we may or may not be aware of. We want to reflect and help understand the student, staff and faculty experience further during this year’s Thrive Week.

To reflect on this, we are going to use an activity called photo-voice, to begin thinking more about the impact our surroundings have on our wellness.

Through this activity, you will be able to:

• Reflect on the impact of your physical environment on various aspects of your own wellness
• Share your understanding of part of your physical environment’s impact on your own wellness through photography

Take a look at this submission example!

To learn more and participate, please see the photo-voice submission form.

Deadline for submissions is January 31st. Participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of five available prizes (including a movie night prize package, houseplant delivery and more!)

*Note that staff/ faculty will receive prizes, while students will be eligible to win gift cards. 

Thinking about goal setting and incorporating new habits or lifestyle changes can feel daunting. This year we want to “redefine thriving” – let’s take the pressure off, reflect on what we are doing well and simply consider ways we can get back to some basics of healthy living.

The Positive Psychology Lens

Positive psychology is the study of what makes life most meaningful. Instead of asking “What is wrong with people?”, positive psychology adopts the approach of “What is right with people?” It advocates for exploring people’s strengths without minimizing the impact of pain and suffering. Below are some articles that use a positive psychology approach to New Year’s resolutions.

A Kinder Take on New Year’s Resolutions Using Positive Psychology

Set New Year’s Resolutions or Live with Intention Now?

Back to Basics: Healthy Habits

5 Simple Ways to Be Healthier and More Productive Without Leaving Your Desk

How to Be Healthy: 9 Easy Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

Back to Basics Exercises