CDI College Addresses Mental Health in Canada with Expert-Led Panel Discussion

Join CDI College for our premiere panel discussion at 6am PT/9am CT as they discuss mental health in Canada. #CDICares

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, July 15, 2021 /CNW/ - CDI College has launched a Mental Health Awareness Campaign to foster awareness and greater understanding about mental health and the impacts on Canadians. This month-long initiative features student anecdotes, interviews, and blogs; employee training and resources; a social media awareness campaign including weekly "Pick-Me-Up" podcasts; and an interactive panel discussion – featuring addictions and community service workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals – which premieres on July 15 at 6am PT/9am CT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfqJqLixDAo

"Every single person has mental 'wellness', which can impact mental health," says Dakota Douglas, Team Lead, Distress Centre Calgary and CDI College Addictions & Community Services Worker alumnus. "People forget that mental health and mental wellness does not discriminate depending on your background or what you're going through. It's normal – and a lot more common than many folks understand – and that's because mental health is still heavily stigmatized in our society."

The panel consists of Rhian Wight, MA Psychology and Director, Reeves College, Student Services Mental Health; Dakota Douglas, Team Lead Distress Centre Calgary and CDI College Addictions & Community Services Worker alumnus; and Adhel Arop, Kenyan-born refugee and multidisciplinary artist, residing in Vancouver, BC.

The goal of this interactive panel discussion is to open up the conversation about mental health in Canada, including how it has changed and become more amplified during COVID-19.

"When COVID first started, I found it was less about conversations, and more about people dictating each other on [correct behaviour]," says Rhian Wight. "We kind of went during the other way during the panic, but now we're starting to have those conversations and [become more understanding of each other]. It's a fresh start for a lot of people."

One in five Canadians experience a mental health illness in their lifetime. While this number sounds significant, these are the pre-pandemic statistics. The global health crisis only exacerbated mental unease with anxiety, depression, loss, and grief. CDI College saw this challenge and decided to turn towards the communities in which they live, work, and study to address this need.

During the month of July, CDI College has created a platform for people to share their mental health stories with each other. After hearing so many incredible stories from individuals across the country, CDI College was inspired to create more opportunities for people to connect over their mental health struggles. Using the hashtag #MyMentalHealthStory, CDI College has created a safe space that builds community through common human experiences.

To learn more about this initiative, visit CDI College on their Blog, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or attend the panel discussion, airing at 6am PT/9am CT: #CDICares about Mental Health*.

*The session has been recorded and will be available for viewing at a later time.

About CDI College

For 50 years, CDI College has been a leading career training institution helping thousands of students achieve career goals and aspirations. With 22 campuses across Canada, CDI College offers hands-on training from experienced instructors in a wide range of business, technology, healthcare, early childhood education, art and design, legal studies, and trades programs. CDI College's practical, hands-on learning experiences prepare students to enter the working world with the skills they need to succeed.

SOURCE CDI College

Sheliza Thobani, Communications Lead, 604.915.7288 ext. 2930