Spring on UCalgary campus

Mental Health Week

We're joining the Canadian Mental Health Association to recognize Mental Health Week, May 6 - 12, 2024. Keep scrolling to find stories and resources from our campus community, and take part in events happening all week. 

Events and activities available to all

pills

Let’s talk about opioids: myths, facts and everything in between

Monday, May 6, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Online

Various factors have been cited for what has become known as “the opioids crisis” including the emergence of strong synthetic opioids in the illegal drug supply and high rates of opioid prescribing. 

Join experts from the Mathison Centre, Dr. Stephanie Borgland, PhD, Dr. Monty Ghosh, MD, and Dr. Andy Bulloch, PhD to discuss the myths and facts about opioids and mental health.

sustainability event

Nurturing emotional resilience in the era of climate change

Wednesday, May 8, 12-1:30 p.m.
Online

Join UCalgary for a talk on climate change and emotional resilience with Dekila Chungyalpa, founder of the Loka Initiative, and Christine Wilson, PhD, with the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   

Chungyalpa and Wilson will discuss the emotional impacts climate change has had on various populations, present the latest research and knowledge around eco-emotions, and end with an activity for participants to help regulate their emotions.

Body image photo for event three rocks

ROC talk: Body image and mental health

Wednesday, May 15, 12-1 p.m.
Online

Join Recovery on Campus Alberta, UCalgary Recovery Community, and Sogand Zakerhaghighi, MC, in speaking about healthy body image and mental health. 

As an active social media influencer and mental health professional, Sogand will help us explore the intricacies of loving yourself and maintaining your mental health.

Events and workshops for all UCalgary students, staff and faculty

Outdoor fitness with Active Living

Free classes for students, staff and faculty! Bring your mat and join a class. Sessions will move inside if weather dictates. 

People doing pilates

Pilates

Tuesday, May 7, 12:10-12:55 p.m. 

Pilates is a full body workout as the exercises develop the body through muscular efforts that stem from the core. This class focuses on repetitive exercises performed on a yoga mat along with other equipment to build strength, mobility and flexibility. Open to all fitness levels.

people working out

POUND

Wednesday, May 8, 12:10-12:55 p.m.

An exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercise, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out, releasing stress, and moving. Open to all fitness levels.

people doing yoga

Yoga

Thursday, May 9, 12:05-12:55 p.m.

This dynamic flow class incorporates traditional sun salutations and yoga poses while allowing for more varied practice. You’ll focus on breath, building full body strength, core stability, flexibility, and proper body alignment. Options will be given for all levels, from beginners to those looking for more challenge. 

Events with Schulich Wellness

These events are open to all students, staff and faculty and take place in the Engineering Wellness Room (ENA 06).

Yoga at noon

Join in on a practice of breath and movement with yoga instructor George McFaul. Yoga is a holistic practice combining physical postures, breathe work, and meditation to support the body, mind and spirit. Benefits include stress reduction, improved posture and physical ability, increased energy, clarity, focus and overall well-being.

Learn more

Sleep yoga

Experience being awake and asleep at the same time with the guided practice of Yoga Nidra. Sometimes called NSDR (non sleep deep rest), this 30-minute practice is shown to be equivalent to 2 - 4 hours of sleep and results in feeling less stress, anxiety and fatigue. 

Learn more


Events and workshops for staff and faculty

Sexual Violence graphic with illustrated doves

Responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence training

May 7, 10-11 a.m. (and additional dates)
Online via zoom

A positive first response to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) can have a powerful impact on the person disclosing. Learn all about how to support disclosures of SGBV, the issue surrounding SGBV, the three components of a positive first response, as well, become aware of different community and campus resources.

Fall on campus

Health and wellness in the workplace

May 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hunter Hub Collision Space, HNSC 401 

Explore the connections between health and well-being and our work as well as what employees can do to improve well-being for themselves and others. 

Women's Circle

Women's circle

Wednesday, May 8, 12 - 12:45 p.m.
Women’s Resource Centre, MSC 482

Be nurtured, receive a cup of tea and gather to reflect personally around a wide range of topics. These circles are a gentle space to slow down, take a breath and make connections. They are an inclusive, non-religious but sacred space for those who identify as female, gender non-conforming, non-binary or exploring other variations in gender expression or femaleness.


Mental health and well-being supports

Student mental health services

Find support for your mental health at Student Wellness Services. Our services include counselling, workshops, and training, and peer support--where you can talk to someone with the same experience as you.

 

Faculty and staff mental health services

Staff Wellness leads a number of programs, resources and services, to help promote, support, and sustain the health and wellness of faculty and staff at UCalgary. Find resources, counselling, or get in-touch with our Mental Health Consultant--who can guide you and get you connected to supports.

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UCalgary's Employee and Family Assistance Plan

Are you a benefit-eligible employee? UCalgary's Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) is UCalgary's new confidential service available to employees and their dependents, at no cost, to help support well-being.

Learn more and sign-up

More readings and resources

Video resources from Student Wellness Services

Student Wellness Services' short videos provide information, tips and strategies to manage your wellness more effectively.


Sign-up to receive updates

Curious about other UCalgary mental health and well-being events and programs? Sign-up to receive updates about Campus Mental Health Strategy related activities to be notified.

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