“I will improve my public speaking skills by participating in three presentations this year.” 

• Specific: I will actively volunteer to present in my communications class and join a campus club that focuses on public speaking. 

• Measurable: I will participate in three presentations and seek feedback from my instructor and peers to track my progress.  

• Achievable: I will prepare by practicing my presentations with friends and using online resources to refine my speaking skills.  

• Relevant: Enhancing my public speaking skills is important for my future career in business management. 

• Time-bound: I will achieve this by the end of the current semester which is in 4 months. 

River Oaks Psychology

Childmind.org

Psychologytoday.com

Thementalhealthcoalition.com

Learn to thrive as a leader with MindWell’s Leaders Cohort focused on helping you perform your best as a leader, help you achieve your goals, and avoid burnout.

Leaders will learn how to: 

• Lead with Empathy: Build stronger relationships with your team
• Thrive in Tough Talks: Navigate difficult conversations with confidence
• Give Powerful Feedback: Motivate and empower your team members
• Notice Signs of Struggle: Support your team’s well-being

The cohort begins Monday, August 19th and live sessions begin Thursday, August 22nd.

Register here!

Discover science-backed techniques to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. 

In this class, Ross will guide you through practical sleep hygiene habits you can easily incorporate into your routine.

Fridays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Sitting for long hours has an impact on your mind and body. Join Dr. Ellen to discover how incorporating micro-movements throughout your workday can improve your energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Learn simple stretches, posture adjustments, and other “mini-breaks” you can easily integrate into your routine.

Wednesdays in August at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Starting a new movement practice can bring unfamiliar sensations. In Tai Chi, some call this initial feeling “Tasting the Bitter.” 

This class explores how to navigate these sensations and discover the joy of movement. Learn basic Tai Chi principles to build strength, improve flexibility, and cultivate a healthy exercise routine.

Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST. Register here!

Ever wonder how your thoughts and feelings about food impact your health? 

This class with Jackie explores the power of body awareness and mindful eating. Learn to reconnect with your body’s hunger cues, make conscious food choices, and develop a healthier relationship with food.

Mondays

English: 12:00pm CST – register here!

French: 11:30am CST – register here!

First, let’s understand isolation. Isolation is a state of loneliness, where you feel devoid of support, friends, or assistance. While isolation can be distressing and negatively impact your quality of life, it can also become a habitual and comfortable state, making it challenging to escape. However, it’s crucial for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being to learn how to break free from this cycle. You don’t have to accept isolation as your default lifestyle; there are ways to reconnect and improve your overall health.

Isolation isn’t necessarily a measure of how many hours we spend alone or how many friends or connections we have. It’s possible for someone to be and feel isolated even when they are in the presence of other people. Below are some of the ways that isolation can manifest for different people:

• Physical Isolation can happen when someone lives in a remote area or otherwise has limited interactions with people in their home life and throughout their days.  
• Emotional Isolation doesn’t always mean being physically alone. It can happen because of neglectful or abusive relationships or when a person isn’t willing or able to invest in emotional connections.  
• Psychological isolation can be a complicated situation if someone is mentally disconnected from their own identity and personality or their reality and the people around them. 
• Rejection or ostracization are acts that purposely isolate a person. The experience of social isolation imposed by others likely comes with additional feelings of shame, pain, and other emotional trauma.  
• A virtual lifestyle is becoming increasingly common as people depend more on connecting with others on the internet. The psychological impact of virtual interactions is uncertain, but they can definitely lack important aspects of human communication and relationship. 

Isolation can impact our mental health in many ways. Studies show that the feelings of isolation can be linked to suicide thoughts and attempts, less restful sleep, decreased ability to regulate eating, more stress, and greater difficulty paying attention and doing complex tasks.

• Dropping out of social activities or events we used to participate in.  

• Spending a great deal of time each day alone with little to no contact with other people.  

• Having no one to turn to when you need help, advice, or just a friendly person to talk to.  

• Rarely communicating with other people by text, phone, or video call.  

• Lack of meaningful, close, intimate connections with other people.  

• Feeling lethargic, sad, or rejected. 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a profoundly stressful global event that significantly increased isolation. Social distancing measures, quarantines, and shifting to remote school environments left many individuals cut off from their usual social connections and support systems. The abrupt transition to online learning created a strong sense of disconnection for students across North America, and the in-person support systems typically available to university and college students largely disappeared. 

In 2022, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in partnership with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), conducted a study on student mental health two years into the pandemic called “The New Abnormal“. This study reported that 74% of students reported that the pandemic worsened their existing mental health struggles, and 61% reported that it created new mental health challenges. Other studies have shown that the rise of mental health issues includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, and heightened feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

It’s important to recognize when you struggle with isolation. Noticing the signs mentioned above is the first step to develop healthy coping skills. Here is what you can do if you are experiencing isolation:

• Acknowledge your feelings: Sometimes, it seems easier to ignore your feelings when you’re struggling, especially when it feels like you have no one to talk to. Take some time to acknowledge that things are hard. If you need to, reach out to community resources or personal support. 

• Get outside: Being outdoors is beneficial to your mental and physical health. Natural light can help boost your mood, and the vitamin D in sunlight can ease symptoms of depression. For more information about the benefits of sunlight, check out “The Healing Power of Sunshine”.

• Reconnect with your interests: If you have more time for yourself, consider what solo hobbies you used to enjoy or always wanted to take up. Pursuing a new hobby can redirect your mind and give you something positive to think about.  

• Practice self-care: It’s essential to counteract the stress response caused by social isolation. Stress can cause problems with your breathing, blood pressure, muscles, and more. Take the time to relax in a way that works for you!  

• Check in with people you know: When you’ve been feeling isolated, it’s easy to think that people are doing fine without you. It’s a common self-fulfilling prophecy brought on by loneliness, and it’s usually not true. Instead, challenge your assumptions and reach out. You may find that your friends and acquaintances need you just as much as you need them. 

Elevate your summer gatherings with Mindful Cooking!

In this unique 4-week series, Chef Kristin will walk you through delicious, shareable dishes for picnics, potlucks, and patios. 

Learn plant-based options, creative twists, and easy techniques to impress your friends and family. Each week focuses on a specific social occasion with a crowd-pleasing recipe.

• Plan memorable picnics & potlucks
• Discover tasty shareable dishes
• Create your own patio restaurant experience 
• Cook new recipes for loved ones

Thursdays at 12:00pm CST. 30 Minute weekly sessions begin Thursday July 4th. Register here!

Tough conversations can be difficult to have, especially when emotions run high.

Join Ross to learn practical skills to express yourself clearly, listen deeply, and set healthy boundaries, all while reducing emotional tension. You will also explore mindfulness techniques to enhance your communication effectiveness.

Fridays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Ready to connect on a deeper level with others? Join Dr. Ellen to explore mindfulness practices that can help you move from small talk to meaningful conversations. 

Learn how to be present, listen actively, and foster genuine connection.

Wednesdays at 11:00am CST. Register here!

Schooling was one of the first communities we experienced. Tai Chi offers a similar experience – a supportive community and a practice that grows with you.

Join Peter every Tuesday for beginner-friendly Tai Chi classes, learn at your own pace, and experience its unique benefits.

Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST. Register here!

Strong communities provide joy, support, and a sense of belonging. 

Join Jackie as we explore the different types of communities you might be drawn to and the positive impact getting involved can have on your life.

Mondays

Classes in French: 11:30am CST – Register here!

Classes in English 12:00pm CST – Register here!

• A statement about mental health and well-being has been embedded in the course outline template. This message highlights the impact of mental health on academic success and directs students to supports.
• To engage the community in planning and policy efforts, the HMHC Advisory Group, comprised of 12 students, faculty, and staff, meet bi-monthly, providing thoughtful critiques and formulating ideas for the Strategy.

• Supportive Employment Guidelines have been launched along with education sessions for leaders.
• RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan has committed to embedding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all we to.
• The Anti-Racism Action Committee and the Gender and Sexual Diversity Group have advanced EDI efforts through a wide array of initiatives.
• The Centre for Learning and Program Excellence has done a lot of work on accessible learning, including offering professional development for instructors.
• An applied research project using digital storytelling led to greater understanding of nursing student mental health and also enhanced empathy amongst faculty.

• A resource wall was created at Notre Dame Campus. The resources include pamphlets about depression, stress, and anxiety, information about Mindbeacon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, QR codes for community crisis resources and mental health resources and more! Exchange District Campus will have their own resource wall for fall 2024.
• Awareness activities have expanded, including:
  • A wide variety of in-class workshop topics.
  • Annual observations of Mental Illness Awareness Week, National Addictions Awareness Week, Bell Let’s Talk Day, and Mental Health Awareness Week.
• By engaging student volunteers in meaningful service-learning opportunities, the reach and sustainability of awareness activities has increased.

• Professional development sessions have been offered to enhance faculty competence to notice students who are struggling, engage with them, and refer to supports.
• The Behavioral Intervention Team has been redesigned to have a more proactive approach to preventing adverse incidents. The primary focus of the team is to provide support to faculty when a student may be experiencing distress or are perceived to pose a threat to the safety of themselves/other students, faculty, and staff.
• An Early Assist program launched in 2021. Early Assist has helped ensure that multiple types and levels of support are offered to students who are struggling with non-academic concerns.

• Online mindfulness training (Mindwell) continues to be well received by students and employees, helping them develop stress management and coping skills. Some students can even get courcse credit for completing Take 5 Daily, thanks to instructors who have embedded it within their curriculum.
  • Since Mindwell was first offered at RRC Polytech, 2994 students and staff have participated!
• To promote staff and faculty well-being, our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) has delivered several lunch and learn webinars on relevant topics.
• EFAP service improvements over the past few years include:
  • Indigenous-specific tools, including Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper access 
  • Sentio CBT (online, self-guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Busy Family Childcare Resource Locator
  • Life Smart Coaching Services (financial, nutritional and career coaching)
  • An e-library of resources, including 20+ e-courses
• Enhanced Flex Benefit Plan options provide improved coverage for staff and faculty.

• Student Counselling Services (SCS) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) were created by separated their work into two special units, resulting in service improvements.
• SAS has reviewed, refined and expanded processes to better align with best practices and updates to Accessibility Human Rights Legislation.
• SCS improvements:
  • Increased Same Day Crisis Service appointments.
  • Providing check-ins or shorter sessions throughout the day for students who are already assigned to a counsellor.
  • Launch of Drop-In Services.
  • Enhanced relationship with International Education to reduce international student barriers to mental health services.
  • Reduced barriers for Indigenous students by offering on-site drop-in hours each Friday.
  • Shortened intake forms to improve student access.

• Broad campus training for staff and faculty regarding emergency procedures and crisis response has been implemented.
  • These include Active Aggressor Training, Emergency Procedures in Crisis Response, and Nalaxone overdose prevention training.
  • The development of a Mental Health and Well-Being Guide – Supporting Students in Distress.

To provide RRC Polytech students with accessible, empathic and relatable mental health support, Campus Well-Being is introducing a Peer Support Program. Student recruitment will take place in the fall, training will begin in November 2024 and the program will launch in January 2025.

Bell Canada provided $100,000 funding to kickstart the program and the RRCSA provided an additional $50,000/year for a period of three years.

To gain insights on how students are doing, we plan to deploy the Canadian Campus Well-Being Survey in the winter of 2025.

Since the five year Roadmap is nearing its end, watch for opportunities to contribute to the next plan, which will provide direction for 2026 onwards.

Borrow a bike to go for lunch, run an errand or cruise around the area. Our four bikes include Moose and Bear (large), Eagle (medium) and Goose (small).  Come to the NDC North Gym customer service desk during regular gym hours, fill out a waiver and pick your bike. Daytime borrowing only by students and staff.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory. Bring your own or borrow one from us; bike locks are available too. Each user receiving a bike will be responsible for:

• Keeping it secure
• Riding safely and lawfully
• Returning it in a timely manner

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm NOTE: Summer session runs July 9 to August 15, 2024.

Sign up for this session to have your questions answered about your exercise routine or anything gym and fitness related. This is a great time to learn how to use the weight room, fine-tune your technique, or progress your exercise routine under the supervision of our certified trainers.

• Build confidence, knowledge, and independence through a more individualized training experience.
• Great for all fitness levels! Exercise recommendations will be given to meet your needs and goals.
• Email recreation@rrc.ca with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

The North and South Gyms at NDC are open over the summer months. Bring your ID card and indoor athletic shoes and start up a game!

Equipment is available for a variety of sports, including:

• Volleyball
• Pickleball
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Badminton
• Futsal

To confirm court availability at your chosen time, call 204.632.2399 or email recreation@rrc.ca.

Mental health stigma involves negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health issues and leads to social exclusion and discrimination. There are 3 types of stigma: public stigma – society’s negative reactions; self-stigma – internalized shame; and structural stigma – institutional policies and practices.

Below are 4 factors that contribute to mental health stigma in the East and South Asian communities:

• Collectivist vs. individualist perspectives: in many collectivist cultures, which emphasize the needs and goals of the group over the individual, there may be a reluctance to discuss personal mental health issues in fear of bringing shame or dishonor to the family or community. This can lead to a tendency to keep problems private and not seek help.
• Myths and misconceptions: misunderstandings about mental health, such as viewing it as a weakness or moral failing, further perpetuates the stigma.
• Gender roles: in many cultures, gender roles can influence the perception of mental health. For example: men may be particularly reluctant to seek help for mental health issues due to societal expectations to appear strong and unemotional.
• Family honor and shame: maintaining family honor is crucial. Mental health issues might be viewed as a source of shame, leading to denial or concealment of issues.

Stigma is more prevalent in Asian societies than it may seem and it has profound effects on individuals of Asian descent.

• Psychological and emotional impact: feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness can exacerbate mental health conditions.
• Social impact: individuals may face isolation, discrimination or strained relationships.
• Underreporting and underdiagnosis: fear of stigma often leads to reluctance in seeking help, resulting in untreated mental health issues. For example, a study by Khanlou et al. (2018) in Canada found that South Asian youth were significantly less likely to access mental health services due to stigma, cultural expectations, and lack of culturally sensitive resources.

“I came to Canada a year ago, and I’m all alone here without my parents. Life was totally different back in India. Things are changing, no doubt, but there are still so many things we cannot discuss with our parents. It’s always been part of our upbringing to overthink and avoid discussing personal issues with anyone because we’re afraid of being judged.

Since arriving in Canada, I’ve struggled with feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Back in India, discussing mental health openly was taboo, and this mindset has followed me here. When I tried to talk to my parents about how I was feeling, they were supportive but didn’t really understand. They told me to stay strong and focus on my studies but didn’t recognize that I needed more than just words of encouragement.

In our community, admitting to mental health struggles often feels like admitting to a personal failure. The fear of bringing shame or dishonor to the family keeps many of us silent. This stigma makes it incredibly difficult to seek help or even talk openly about what we’re going through. The fear of being judged or misunderstood often forces us to suffer in silence, making the experience of dealing with mental health issues even more isolating.

Being in Canada has opened my eyes to different perspectives on mental health, and I’m slowly learning that it’s okay to seek help and talk about my struggles. But breaking away from deeply ingrained cultural stigmas is a challenge that many of us in the Asian community continue to face.” – Komalpreet K. RRCP Student

Community Initiatives: organizations like the Asian American Psychological Association and the South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network provide resources and support to people from Asian communities.

Education and Awareness Campaigns: programs aimed at educating communities about mental health can dispel myths and encourage open conversations.

Culturally Sensitive Services: providing mental health services that respect cultural values and beliefs can make it easier for individuals to seek help given they don’t feel the need to explain cultural context.

By understanding the cultural factors at play and actively working to combat stigma in East and South Asian communities, we can create a more supportive environment at Red River College Polytechnic. Join the conversation, educate yourself and others, and support initiatives that aim to reduce the stigma.

Find some helpful resources below:

• Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg
• Mental Health Education Resource Centre (MHERC)
• Shared Health Manitoba – Mental Health Resource Finder
• Asian American Psychological Association
• South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network
• Asian Mental Health Collective
• Aurora Family Therapy – Newcomer programs