UNBC to host “Beyond the Blues” mental health session Thursday

It is no secret that the late winter months can contribute to a strain on people’s mental health, and students are in no way exempt.

On Thursday (February 16), UNBC will be holding a Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) campaign event called Beyond the Blues, which will give students, staff, and anyone passing by a chance to get access to screenings and talk about mental health.

“The goal is for Canadian Mental Health to be out in the public… where they can get to know people and inform them about mental health and wellness,” said UNBC’s Counselling Coordinator, Margaret Ann Fuller.

According to the CHMA, these pop-up sites are there to help people learn about mental health and treatments, partially through short self-tests on a range of feelings and behaviours.

Over 100,000 people have been helped by the Beyond the Blues program since 1995.

“We are hoping that in the four-hour period to have 120ish people to come through and visit,” Fuller said.

For people who will not be at UNBC on Thursday, you can take a mental health screening test at any time online.

Next week is UNBC’s reading break, which Fuller said always sees an uptick in students reaching out for help.

Her biggest advice for someone struggling with their mental health is to not try and take it on by yourself.

“We need each other,” Fuller said. “A lot of the programing that we are doing at this Beyond the Blues event is talking about self care activities.”

A couple examples include physical activities, finding a group or community to spend time with, crafting, and cooking.

“Anything that gives us a sense of purpose, and something to do with our energy and feelings when they are overwhelming.”

This will be hosted on the student street outside the university’s registrar’s office – past the library – from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information on Beyond the Blues, click here.

For more information and support surrounding mental health, click here.