SA Mental Health Initiative

Student life can be stressful at times. Many students face constraints of limited budgets, pressures of work-school-life balance, the weight of nagging deadlines, and looming exams. Coupled with anxiety, loneliness, and other issues, your student experience can become a difficult one.

In recognition of these pressures, the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic introduced its Mental Health Initiative aimed at promoting a positive atmosphere in which mental health can be explored and solutions can be enhanced.

Through its Mental Health Initiative, the SA hosts mental health awareness events each term. The events are designed to give students a break and to help encourage discussion of mental health.

Activities have included:

  • MindfulU
  • Puppy Room
  • Communitea
  • Yoga and Meditation Sessions
  • Healthy Sandwich Race
  • Random Act of Kindness Campaigns
  • Bouncy House
  • Workshops

If you need help:

Distress Line Central Alberta
1-800-784-2433

Red Deer 49 Street
Community Health Centre
Mental Health Services
403-340-5466

Alberta Mental Health Helpline
1-877-303-2642

RDP Counselling
403-343-4064

Health, Safety & Wellness Centre
403-342-3427

Campus Security Emergency Line
403-343-4000

mywellness

Mental health affects your performance, your relationships, and every aspect of your life. Science proves if you ignore your mental health, even your brain anatomy can change.

With mywellness, you can assess your mental health in 5-10 minutes and immediately access tools for stress reduction and for managing your symptoms. It’s free and anonymous!

mywellness

Mental Health Resources Near You

There are several mental health resources available at Red Deer Polytechnic and in the community.

Talk Suicide Canada

Call or text 988

24/7 support line for suicide prevention.

The Outreach Centre

theoutreachcentre.org | 403-347-2480

Provides services and supports for people for mental health, violence, family law, housing, grief, and more.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Red Deer

cmha.ca | 403-342-2266

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a non-profit organization promoting community wellness and supporting people with mental illness, brain injury, and addictions. Based on community needs, staff and volunteers accomplish this through recovery focused support, education, and advocacy.

National Eating Disorders Association

1-800-931-2237 | Text NEDA to 741741

Provides 24/7 support to individuals experiencing eating disorders.

Wellness Together Canada

wellnesstogether.ca | 1-866-585-0445

Provides 24/7 in-person or virtual support for mental health and substances.

Tough Enough to Talk About It

toughenoughtotalk.org | 780-539-0210

Mental health programming for those in agriculture or the trades industry.

Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre

www.casasc.ca | 24 hour sexual assault crisis line: 1-866-956-1099

Crisis counselling (short & long term), medical, police and court support. Services for individuals affected by sexual assault offered at no cost.

Family Violence Info Line

310-1818

Call if you (or someone you know) are going through family violence or abuse if you have questions or want to find out about programs, resources, and services.

Alberta Health Services Addiction Hotline

1-866-332-2322

Help for problems with gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Bullying Helpline

www.bullyfreealberta.ca | 1-888-456-2323

Advice or support on bullying. Helpline is available 24 hours a day.

Safe Harbour

www.safeharboursociety.org | 403-347-0181

Emergency shelter, support and resources, and housing services for individuals in need and support for family members.

Bubby Up: Men’s Mental Health Network

www.buddyup.ca

Support network focused on suicide prevention for men.

mental health resources and supports