CREDIT: JEN DOEDE
The World Mental Health Day activities on campus will take place in Forwell Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

On Oct. 10, Fanshawe and the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) will host various activities on World Mental Health Day to give students a chance to relax from their studies and learn more about the services available to them regarding their mental health on campus.

Kate Morris, the FSU Student Life Co-ordinator, explained that October can be a hard time for students during the school year and it's important for students to relax and take care of themselves. “It's important for students to realize they are not alone,” Morris said. “It's okay to ask for help and take a moment to relax.”

The event will take place in Forwell Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and students can treat themselves to some coffee, tea and cookies while taking a moment to sit back and relax.

The World Mental Health Day event will also help students become more familiar with the counselling and accessibility services available on campus. Counselling and accessibility services will be present at the event to host some interactive games and stress relief activities.

Nikki Ross, a counsellor for Fanshawe's Counselling and Accessibility Services, explained that her and her team will bring something new to this mental health event. The organization will be giving students the opportunity to test out apps on iPads that are designed to benefit their mental health. These apps promote relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and various other calming techniques. In addition, there will be interactive games on a SMART board surrounding the subject of mental health awareness and knowledge. “I find that those interactive pieces where you are focused on what you are doing at the moment helps with the stress levels of a lot of students,” Ross said.

Colouring pages will also be available for students to show off their artistic side and students will also have the opportunity to write encouraging messages on rocks for other students to take with them.

When asked what she hopes students take away from their time at the event, Ross said, “I think if students are able to come to the event and learn a new strategy or pick up a new tool that they can use when they walk away, I think that will be a huge benefit to them.”

The event will also have a petting zoo to give students the opportunity to pet some cute animals and take their mind off the pressures of schoolwork and other stressful situations in their lives.

Students are encouraged to share photos from the event on social media using the hashtag #fanshawecares.

“Our goal is to raise awareness and to help students be aware that there are lots of things that they can do to support their mental health and wellbeing. Also, that we are here to help,” Ross said.

Morris also suggests for students to check out the new Student Wellness Centre, which offers various fitness programs and activities for student's physical health as well as wellness programs such as mindfulness meditation and quiet rooms to assist students with their mental health.

“Mental health is something we shouldn't be afraid to talk about,” Morris said. “It's important to be both mentally and physically healthy.”