Western University’s chapter of Active Minds is a student-run organization that strives to enlighten students about the myths of mental health, and to create an open community to discuss mental health issues.
Active Minds is an international organization with a network of 428 campus-based chapters in locations including North America, Africa, Australia, Cyprus and Ecuador. These chapters were founded by Alison Malmon in 2003 in Washington, D.C., after her brother committed suicide.
Photo provided by Active Minds Western
Western’s chapter currently has a team of approximately 28 individuals and a membership of around 176, according to Tom Lee, current president of Active Minds Western.
“We are a mental health club on campus that focuses on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. By fighting the stigma that surrounds mental illness, our hope is that individuals will become better educated and more comfortable with their own mental health,” continues Lee.
The club aims to raise awareness by fostering meaningful conversation on the topic of mental health. For example, on October 2, Active Minds Western held an event called “Chalk Your Support” on Concrete Beach, during which students covered the ground with drawings and messages of support.
Photo provided by Mallory Thompson
Last year, the group hosted an event called “Meet Your Support,” which included a panel of Western University mental health care professionals who spoke about the mental health services, including the Wellness Education Centre, available at the university.
Some students are drawn to the club due to personal experiences with mental illness or by the desire to help those who are struggling with mental health.
“I joined Active Minds because I had a family member pass away from suicide and I turned to photography and videography as a way to cope through it,” said third year MIT student, Mallory Thompson.
Not only a coping mechanism, Thompson continues her work with Active Minds as one of the club’s photographers and videographers. She is motivated in her work with Active Minds because “I can make media that impacts people and allows them to think about how the stigma surrounding mental health impacts people.
The fee to join is $15, with part of the money going towards supporting WAYS, a local mental support agency. The organization supports the mental health of children, youth and families in Southwestern Ontario.
For more details, check out their Facebook page!
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- Mental Health & Mental Wellness: Two Sides of the Same Coin
- 11 Western Students Share Student Health Horror Stories
- Western Students Explain How Student Health Services Can Improve
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