Rationale

Issue

Student mental health is a critical area requiring immediate attention and support. Many students face significant mental health challenges, exacerbated by academic pressures, social isolation, and other stressors.

Our Research

  • Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: A significant number of students report experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • Impact on Academic Performance: Mental health challenges can negatively affect students’ academic performance, attendance, and overall university experience.
  • Barriers to Access: Students often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including stigma, long wait times, and insufficient resources.

  • Accessibility of Services: Many students face barriers to accessing mental health services, including long wait times, lack of awareness, and stigma associated with seeking help.
  • Funding and Resources: There is often a shortage of funding and resources dedicated to mental health services, limiting the availability and quality of support for students.
  • Awareness and Education: Students may not be fully aware of the mental health resources available to them or how to access them, leading to underutilization of services.
  • Stigma: Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier, preventing students from seeking help when needed.

  • High Demand for Services: Universities report increasing demand for mental health services, with many struggling to meet student needs.
  • Effect on Dropout Rates: Mental health issues are a leading factor in student dropouts, highlighting the need for robust support systems.
  • Student Feedback: Surveys indicate that students desire more accessible, comprehensive mental health support and resources.

Our Position

WUSA is committed to advocating for enhanced mental health support for students. This includes promoting policies and resources that ensure students have access to timely, effective, and comprehensive mental health services.

  • Increase Funding: Advocate for increased funding for mental health services to reduce wait times and improve service quality.
  • Comprehensive Services: Support the development of comprehensive mental health services that address the diverse needs of the student population.
  • Stigma Reduction: Promote initiatives aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental health issues and encouraging students to seek help.
  • Crisis Support: Ensure that students have access to crisis support services, including 24/7 hotlines and emergency counseling.

Student Resources

MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support

Peer-to-peer support to help students navigate personal and academic challenges, especially those related to mental health.

Learn more about MATES

Glow Centre

The oldest continually-running university-based 2SLGBTQ+ group in Canada which provides a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work, and resources.

Learn more about Glow

Women's Centre

Offers sexual and mental health resources, peer support, community support, and events to create a supportive environment on campus for all women and trans* folks.

Learn more about the Women’s Centre

RAISE

Student-led service that addresses racism and xenophobia through education and advocacy, peer to peer support, and community building.

Learn more about RAISE

Empower Me

Offers 24/7 mental health support through phone, video, and in-person counseling sessions.

Learn more about Empower Me

Legal Services

Access to affordable legal advice to address any mental health-related legal issues.

Learn more about Legal Services

Health and Dental Plans

Comprehensive coverage that includes mental health services to support overall well-being.

Learn more about our Health and Dental Plans

Campus Wellness

Provides counseling, mental health services, and wellness programs tailored to student needs.

Learn more about Campus Wellness

Campaigns

  • People sitting at a conference table with laptops and microphones engage in discussion, passionately championing student advocacy.
    OUSA Student Advocacy Conference Recap

    Each year, OUSA attends The Student Advocacy Conference at Queens Park, where

  • A person speaks passionately into the microphone, surrounded by attentive listeners. WUSA and the jack.org logos are placed at the bottom left.
    The Jack Talk Event Recap

    Recently the advocacy team collaborated with Jack.org to host a virtual talk

  • Two individuals sit together at a table; one provides a comforting hand on the other's shoulder. Text reads, "It's not always easy to talk." The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association logo is visible, encouraging you to prioritize mental health through the "Our Way" initiative.
    Talking About Mental Health – Our Way
  • A teal illustration of a goose with rays and clouds around it, emphasizing "World Mental Health Day" and showcasing the "WUSA" logo in the bottom left corner, perfectly embodies support for mental health.
    World Mental Health Day: How Can We Support You?

    October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Created by the World Federation

Past Initiatives

  • Art Hive: Destressing and decompressing with creative play and art in a collaborative effort with Wilfred Laurier University.
  • Mindful Creations: Promoting mental health by fostering a stress-relieving environment where students practice mindful meditation and express their creativity.
  • Hula Hooping Class: The Hula Hoop Class offered a fun, beginner-friendly way for students to relieve stress and boost mental health through exercise.
  • Qi Gong: A class led by Alexander Patrushev, to improve mental health and well-being through restorative movement, breathing, and meditation.
  • Laughter Yoga: The Laughter Yoga session led by Courtney McLeod offered a fun, interactive way for participants to relieve stress, elevate their mood, and promote mental well-being through the health benefits of laughter.
  • Wellness Booklet: This resource was designed to promote mental and emotional well-being by encouraging students to pause, reflect, and engage in mindful activities, with additional support resources provided.

In addition to this, we continue to work closely with our community, ensuring ongoing efforts and progress behind the scenes. To learn more about upcoming events, keep an eye on our events page!

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.

Education

Further Reading and Resources