Mental Health on Campus Podcast Series

The Mental Health on Campus Podcast by the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) explores mental health topics that impact post-secondary students.

Episode 1 – Sleep and Mental Health with Dr. Efrosini Papaconstantinou
January 29, 2021

Dr. Efrosini Papaconstantinou, Associate Professor within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University and scientist at the Center for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (CDPR), explores the importance of sleep and the consequences of poor sleep to the mental health of post-secondary students. This includes an explanation of the four stages that make up a sleep cycle as well as sleep hygiene.

Episode 2 – Men’s Mental Health with Riley Wells
February 18, 2021

Riley Wells, a Computer & Software Engineering Graduate from Queen’s University and Jack Talks speaker, leading mental health conversations for youth around Canada, explores the term “Toxic Masculinity” as well as men’s mental health on campus from the perspective of a recent graduate. Riley believes the key to mental wellness is found in the destigmatization of the topic through open discussions with friends and loved ones.

Episode 3 – Opioid Crisis and Harm Reduction Strategies with Jean Hopkins
June 1, 2021

Jean Hopkins, a social worker in the community-based addictions and mental health sector with an MSc from McMaster University’s Global Health program shares an overview of the opioid crisis in Ontario, highlight how students and staff can learn more about problematic substance use and list harm reduction strategies and resources for campuses.

Episode 4 – Return to Campus with Marija Padjen and Kirstin Grant
August 27, 2021

CICMH Director Marija Padjen and Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division’s Director of People and Wellness Kirstin Grant share tips and resources for both staff and students returning to in-person campus life. They will also highlight a resource created by CMHA Ontario on returning to the physical workplace.

Episode 5 – Sheena’s Place: A Guide to Online Group Support with Kaitlyn Axelrod 
November 23, 2021 

Kaitlyn Axelrod, Program and Outreach Coordinator at Sheena’s Place, draws upon their experiences running eating disorder support groups at Sheena’s Place to discuss the challenges, successes, insights, and tips for facilitating online groups amidst the COVID-19 pandemic safely and effectively.

Episode 6 – Leaning Into Art: Indigenized Art Therapy with Leanna Marshall
February 28, 2022 

Leanna Marshall, Indigenous Counsellor at Confederation College, introduces Indigenized art therapy, its efficacy in virtual post-secondary settings, and its differences from other forms of art therapy. In addition to discussing their experiences with the WHEAT program, Leanna leads listeners through an eco-arts activity. 

Episode 7 – Anti-oppressive Practice on Campus: Students’ Perspectives 
March 29, 2022 

Eunice Oladejo, Vice-President of External Affairs at the University Students’ Council at Western and President at Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, and Paishence Johnston, Student at Georgian College, offer student perspectives on anti-oppressive practice on campuses.