In July 2020, Elizabeth Kristjansson, a professor at the School of Psychology of the University of Ottawa, was named University Advisor on Mental Health and Wellness, a position created in response to the 12 recommendations of the President’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness.
Elizabeth Kristjansson works with services and faculties and other university experts to ensure that these recommendations are implemented. She also exposes gaps in mental health services and sets priorities in this field.
Tools for better mental health
Two committees have been formed: the Mental Health and Wellness Steering Committee and the Mental Health Action Advisory Committee. They coordinate the various mandates of their working groups, which work to bridge gaps between faculties and services and to better equip members of the University community to take care of their own and others by implementing mental health policies and programs and by identifying innovative exemplary practices that can achieve tangible results. In this way, the University works collectively to make progress on key initiatives,
For instance, under the leadership of Human Resources, the University has obtained silver accreditation from Excellence Canada, which has validated the progress made to date. With the support of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs a guide to resources aimed at helping students has been created. A microprogram in mental health is also under development.
According to Elizabeth Kristjansson, many “revolutionary strides “ have been made over the past year under the visionary leadership of Student Affairs. The Health and Wellness website, the Student Health and Wellness Centre, the Case Management program and the Wellness Lounge are among the initiatives that considerably improve the physical and mental health services provided to the student population.
The culture is changing
Elizabeth Kristjansson admits that there is still much to be done to reduce stigma, prevent stress, and increase awareness and inform people. However, mental health is being taken more seriously now, as evidenced by the greater number of services and support programs provided to the University community.
She adds that it is vital that we identify persistent problems and work hard to better equip students for life at university, to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for professors and support staff members, and to build on our gains in this area.
In 2021, the University signed and adopted the Okanagan Charter. In doing so, the University commits to embedding health into all aspects of campus culture, to leading health promotion action and collaboration locally and globally, and to putting mental health at the centre of its priorities.