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 text line

686868

MindfulU: The Student Mental Health Collective

MindfulU originated from the vision of two fourth-year psychology students who recognized the need for additional student support. Their goal was to create innovative initiatives that fostered community and connection among students, both within the polytechnic and the broader community.

While MindfulU is a student-led initiative, it collaborates closely with existing student support services. Working alongside the Mental Health Education Coordinator, MindfulU provides a dedicated space for students to connect with each other and prioritize their well-being through empowerment, relaxation, connection, and fun!

The collective includes passionate students who value positive mental health and are committed to supporting one another through various opportunities and initiatives offered by students, the students association, support staff, and community organizations.

 MindfulU is offered weekly on Wednesday’s from 9:00am t0 4:00pm in The Loft (room 2000).

How Can You Get Involved?

Get involved with MindfulU by dropping into the Loft during scheduled events where you can explore activities, educational opportunities, and connect with the MindfulU collective across four foundational categories:

  1. Empowerment: Attend Mental Health & Wellness Education events where experts share practical and relevant information on topics like nutrition, mental health habits, addiction, and time management that can positively impact your well-being. These opportunities build strength, confidence and resiliency.
  2. Relaxation: Mindfulness activities and a quite space, massages, calming music that help to foster a more balanced state in your mind and body which will allow you to have the capacity to better cope with life stressors.
  3. Connection: Social connections are vitally important to well-being and can positively impact your mental & physical health, stress management, happiness and life satisfaction.
    • Pet Therapy: Connect with one of the support dogs that visit the campus.
    • Peer-to-Peer Support: Confidentially discuss your challenges with trained peer supporters.
    • Group Support: Recovery on Campus.
  4. Fun: Enjoy activities like puzzles, painting, games, puppy rooms, laughter and connection, there is no better way to lighten your load and feeling good like having a good time!

You can become a member of the collective by participating as many events as you want or become a volunteer. Either way we welcome everyone to join the community!

Why Attend?

Attending MindfulU events offers valuable benefits for your well-being and personal growth. Here’s why you should consider participating:

  1. Free Access: All MindfulU events and activities are free to attend, making them accessible to everyone.
  2. Mental Health Support: MindfulU’s mission is to support your mental health and well-being. By attending, you’ll find a space where you can connect with your needs and like-minded individuals.
  3. A Space Just For You: The Loft is a space designed specifically for students to use show up exactly as you are.
  4. Safety and Education: MindfulU provides a safe environment where you can learn and grow. Their events foster education and empower you with tools to support yourself and others within your circle.

Remember, prioritizing your mental health is essential, and MindfulU offers a supportive community to help you achieve that!

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!

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.

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.

HeadsUpGuys

headsupguys.org

Supports men to improve their mental health, reduce their risk of suicide, and inspire them to live healthier lives.

Hope for Wellness Helpline

855-242-3310

24/7 immediate crisis support in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inukitut.

LGBTW Youth Line

www.youthline.ca | 1-800-268-9688 | Text: 647-694-4275

LGBTQ2SI peer support line for youth aged 26 and under.

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.

Support network focused on suicide prevention for men.

Police & Crisis Team (PACT)

403-406-2505

Mobile mental health crisis response outreach teams with an RPM and RCMP officer.

Native Counselling Services of Alberta

www.ncsa.ca | 403-347-4377

Housing, mental health, and cultural services for Indigenous People by Indigenous People.