Fostering good mental health across Ontario's campuses is vital to college students' success

TORONTO, May 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The frequency and intensity of mental health issues is increasing on campuses across Ontario. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are amongst a variety of mental health illnesses that are becoming more visible on post-secondary campuses. The College Student Alliance (CSA) policy paper, Mental Health In Ontario's Post-secondary Education System, make recommendations to improve the awareness of mental health, build additional support mechanisms and create a better understanding of what it means to be mentally healthy. It is imperative to students, institutions, and communities to fully understand the significance of mental health and the socioeconomic impact it has on individuals at large.

"Mental health affects all of us whether we suffer from a mental health illness or not," stated Brian Costantini, President of the CSA. "Far too often those suffering from mental health go unnoticed because individuals do not know how to recognize the signs: this needs to change."

Post-secondary students are amongst those most likely to suffer from mental illnesses. Within the CSA's policy paper, Mental Health In Ontario's Post-secondary Education System, the challenges faced by students and institutions, and counselling centres are described in concerning detail. As part of the thirteen recommendations in the CSA Mental Health document it is recommended that a post-secondary education (PSE) framework be adopted by the province, that PSE and mental health stakeholders collaborate more with one another, and that the Ontario Special Bursary Program be reinstated.

"Efforts to increase awareness of mental health issues are paramount to the short and long term success of creating healthier minds on college campuses across Ontario," replied Jim Robeson, Director of Advocacy of the CSA. He added, "The Focus On Mental Health Conference, is one of the many venues that are stimulating the conversation around mental health in Ontario."

With stakeholders working together and government recognizing the importance of healthy minds, both on and off campuses, students who suffer from mental health issues can achieve success on every level. The CSA looks forward to continuing its work with the provincial government and its stakeholders to put sustainable measures in place and create a healthy environment for all students. To view the policy paper, Mental Health In Ontario's Post-secondary Education System, please visit collegestudentalliance.ca

The College Student Alliance (CSA) is a member-driven advocacy organization that has been proudly serving Ontario's college and college-university students since 1975. The CSA currently represents students from 16 colleges and 23 student associations with over 130,000 full-time student members throughout the province.

Brian Costantini    
President     
College Student Alliance   
Tel: [phone] ext. 4226     
Cell: 289.214.8052      
Email: [e-mail]  

Jim Robeson
Director of Advocacy
College Student Alliance
Tel: [phone]
Cell: 416.951.0181
Email: [e-mail]