Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)
Oct 03, 2022 - Oct 06, 2022
“Now more than ever, Canadians understand that there is no health without mental health. As we all navigate these challenging times by adjusting our behaviours, attitudes, lifestyles, and social interactions, we want to recognize and celebrate the movement we as a society have made in prioritizing mental health.” – Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. MIAW takes place October 2 –8, with Algonquin College’s programming running October 3–6. The theme for 2022 is, “No health without mental health.”
Take part, learn more about mental illness, and discover resources and support. You can also join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #MIAW22.
Click the title of the events below to register.
Monday, October 3
Lunchtime Yoga (12:05pm-12:50pm): Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential during this time. To help ease some stress and anxiety, join this free yoga session. Open to students and employees. Attend virtually or in the Spiritual Centre (Room E211, 2nd Floor, Student Commons).
AC Mood Walks (1:00pm-2:30pm): Join Counselling Services for a Mood Walk, rain or shine! Mood Walks are a great opportunity to explore your community, meet new friends, and walk your way to greater wellness.
Tuesday, October 4
AC Purple Couch (10:30am-12:00pm): Visit the Nawapon (1st Floor, Student Commons) to grab a seat on the AC Purple Couch and speak your mind. Chat with the person beside you, trained student leaders, or mental health professionals.
Sisters in Spirit (10:30am-2:30pm): Attend a talk by Grandmother Isabelle Meawasige of Serpent River First Nation in the Nawapon (1st Floor, C Building)! She will be discussing the problem of human trafficking involving young Indigenous women and girls.
Wednesday, October 5
Wellness Wednesday (10:00am-11:00am): Stop by the Bio Wall on the 1st floor of ACCE Building for a wellness activity with Counselling Services!
Craft & Chat – Perth Campus (11:00am-12:00pm): Perth students, visit Craft & Chat to meet new people, engage in fun art activities, and even play games such as Pictionary with your fellow students. You can attend in person (Room 103) or via Zoom!
Health & Resiliency 101 (1:00pm-2:00pm): Join Health Services virtually to learn how to build the mental resiliency and physical fortitude required to make this semester a success!
Mental Health 360°– Adopt a Plant (1:00pm-3:00pm): Did you know that having a plant in your living space can boost your mood, improve air quality, and lower stress, all while making your space cozier and more inviting, too? Drop by the AC Hub (2nd Floor, Student Commons) to “adopt” your new plant bestie!
Thursday, October 6
World Mental Health Day Conference (8:00am-4:30pm): This virtual interactive event will feature activities, exciting prizes, and dynamic expert speakers on topics such as resiliency, substance use, exercise, managing stress and burnout, internalized stigma, and more!
Welcome to Health Services (11:30am-12:30pm): Get to know Health Services at this virtual event! You’ll learn how to access their services, what they offer, what coverage they accept, and even how to gain health advice!
Presented by Student Support Services.