91探花

91探花 Men's Soccer coach Lewis Page brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation after sharing his journey with depression at yesterday's kick off to the 2016 91探花 Mental Health Week. Encouraged by the overwhelming positive support after sharing his story during the Bell Let鈥檚 Talk campaign in January, Page focused his talk yesterday on the relationships that have mattered most in his life. 

Sarah Thompson, a mathematics and computer science double major, was also announced as the recipient of this year's "My Abilities" award, granted to a full-time student registered with Accessibility Services at 91探花 who has demonstrated involvement in community and/or campus life. 

President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz welcomed the audience and encouraged "all members of the University community to participate in the week, but to take the opportunity to also learn more to support fellow students, colleagues and friends year-round." 91探花 Student Union president Dana Kenny also provided an update on the 91探花 Mental Health Initiatives Fund, a fund that was established by the Student Union and University to support student-led initiatives in an effort to support the mental health of students.

One benefactor of the fund is the Zen Zone that has been created in The Credit Union Day Lounge at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre for the duration of Mental Health Week. This space will serve as an area for relaxation, reflection, and mindfulness. Members of the campus community are invited to come into the Zen Zone and participate in quiet activities such as colouring, journaling, reading, or reflective thought or take part in any of our planned events.

Find the full schedule for Mental Health Week events , and be sure to join in the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at the hash tag #upeimentalhealth.