NAIT marks World Mental Health Day with extravaganza
By Katie Wallace on October 23, 2024
NAIT hosted a World Mental Health Day Extravaganza for students in the CAT building on Oct. 10. highlighting the importance of mental health. This event provided students with free self-care, such as bath bombs, face masks and journals while spreading the word about NAIT’s services.
“I think that without mental health supports, you can’t function properly. Mental health is just as important as your physical health, and that runs your everyday life and how you can go about your routines, how you can go about your routines and how you can get your schoolwork done,” said Shayna MacLeod, NAITSA (NAIT Students’ Association) Benefits and Wellness Specialist.
NAIT and NAITSA offer lots of different support options and services such as:
- Mywellnessplan Services: a toolbox of different supports on and off campus for students
- PAWSS: an animal therapy program
- Counselling: a free professional and private counselling
- Recreation programs: like fitness classes, intramurals, esports, learn-to series, outdoor events and more
- Well-being modules: online courses to independently support your mental health
- Well-being Spaces: private NAIT rooms that can be booked for your use
- Peer Support program: an anonymous and confidential supportive listening service for students, by students
“I was a peer supporter myself, so I did have a few clients during my year. And I find that just listening to someone and giving them that listening ear for them really helps them move forward, whether that’s to access more resources, or they feel better just having someone to talk to. So, in my time as the peer supporter, I definitely felt very empowered by helping people.”
NAITSA hosts a mental health event every month.