U of A prioritizing mental health as we mark World Mental Health Day

With World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, we’re putting the spotlight on the University of Alberta’s College of Health Sciences contributions to research in mental health.

“Our health sciences faculties have exceptional bench strength in studying and translating research findings in mental health,” says Greta Cummings, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Mental health research continues to be a crucial component of the full spectrum of health and wellness, and we are proud of the many ways our mental health innovations are making life better for individuals, families and communities.” 

Here are just six of the many mental health innovations and resources from the College of Health Sciences:

• The impact of race and racism on the mental health of Black immigrant youth in Canada has not been adequately studied, but Faculty of Nursing researcher Bukola Salami is working hard to change that.
• For patients with mental health conditions, genetic testing may soon help physicians select the right drug. Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry researcher Katherine Aitchison and her team are developing DNA tests that predict response to prescription medications.
• Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine professor Suzette Brémault-Phillips delivers these seven simple, evidence-based tips to help you cope with anxiety and depression, build resilience and boost your mental health.
• School of Public Health professor Kate Storey understands the importance of sleep for mental health. Here are seven tips to help you take control of your sleep.
• Evidence suggests that university student-athletes experience poor mental health at higher rates than the general population. To better understand and support mental health in the university-sports setting, a Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation research team studied how mentally healthy women student-athletes approached their season.
• When it comes to depression, medicines or treatments that work for one patient or group might be less effective for another, according to Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences researcher Lisa Guirguis.

The university offers a number of services to support community members who may be going through a difficult time. Any student interested in volunteering to support their community can also find opportunities here:

• Wellness Supports provides ongoing mental health support and referrals to other mental health resources.
• Counselling & Clinical Services is located in SUB 2-600. An initial consultation is the first step in accessing services.
• All U of A staff, faculty, graduate students and their eligible dependents have access to crisis resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Mental health skills training is available to students, who can learn suicide prevention skills, how to be a community helper, or how to have a supportive conversation.