More Mental Health Support for Post-secondary Students

Post-secondary students now have easier access to mental health supports with the launch of the HealthyMindsNS website.

The site provides access to a suite of online mental health supports and services that are free to students and complement the in-person counselling services available on campuses.

“Mental health issues affect many of us at certain times throughout our lives. Post-secondary students may be at particular risk due to the changes and pressures they often experience,” said Minster of Labour and Advanced Education Labi Kousoulis. “I am pleased this initiative is providing access to valuable mental health supports.”

Mental health issues require a spectrum of care, including in-person treatment and counselling. Online services can play an important role in providing students with a variety of support options that can be accessed at any time and in a private way.

HealthyMindsNS recognizes that mental health is not just the job of the individual to manage – as a community, we all play a role in caring for one another. Kognito was introduced as part of the suite of services within HealthyMindsNS to assist faculty and staff to prepare for conversations with students and refer them to the supports they need.

Quotes:

“Student mental health is not a nine to five issue. This suite of services complements in-person care by providing anonymous, around the clock services to help students in need. As students, we all face routine stressors–academics, work, extra curriculars, finances, relationships and more. These tools help students by providing several free, accessible outlets to help mitigate hardships when students need it most”.\

• Mary Navas, chair of StudentsNS

“Safe, healthy and welcoming campuses are a priority for all our universities. The delivery of online mental health services is an important element in our universities’ commitment to the active promotion of student health and wellness.”

– William Lahey, president and vice-chancellor, University of King’s College and chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents

“The wellness of our students and employees is a top priority for NSCC. Kognito's online training offers NSCC employees an additional tool to strengthen their ability to lead meaningful conversations with students about their academic, social, emotional and physical health.”

– Don Bureaux, president, Nova Scotia Community College

Quick Facts:

• the site launched on Jan. 16
• there are currently five services provided through HealthyMindsNS: Kognito, TAO, 7 Cups, Crisis Text Line and Good 2 Talk. They are available 24/7
• each university and college across Nova Scotia can select the programs that best complement their current service offerings
• Université Sainte-Anne offers the HealthyMindsNS services in French

Additional Resources:

Explanations and links to the services are available at: https://healthymindsns.ca/