Mental health matters!
Article written last spring, 2015
Meaghan McKeough looks back on her first year at Memorial's School of Nursing with some surprise and a great deal of satisfaction.
The native Nova Scotian made it through a busy year of study, labs and exams while managing to help build a steady following for MUNMinds, the campus-wide student-run group she co-founded last summer 2014.
The group's mission is to end the stigma that's still associated with mental illness, and raise awareness about mental health issues among students, faculty and staff in the university community, and also in the larger community.
The two were so buoyed by support and interest they received during a mental health panel supported by the Memorial University Students Union (MUNSU) last year, they decided to build on the momentum!
Launched in the beginning through social media, Ms. McKeough and recent MUN graduate Meaggie Aylward spent last summer planning and building an executive team for MUNMinds that brings together students from other faculties across the St. John's campus.
Ms. McKeough's own experiences, and struggles with mental health issues convinced her she wasn't the only student having a hard time. She had a hunch there was a need for a group like MUNMinds on campus.
"I've been in situations myself where I know I haven't been treated ethically right because of my mental illness," she said. (She was just 13-years-old when she was diagnosed with depression.)
"People want to be involved," said Ms. McKeough. "Once one person starts talking then two, four, then 24 and it works out well. All you need is one voice, one person to come forward. Next thing you know you've got 2400 students talking about it (mental health.)
MUNminds presence on campus has through student orientations, social media, and word of mouth.
During national Mental Illness Awareness Week last October, the group launched a week of special activities that included the signing of a mental health charter with the Memorial President Dr. Gary Kachanoski, an 'End the Stigma' photo shoot (via cell phones) featuring students holding up personalized Mental Health Matters postcards, a mental health movie, a mental health music night, and a mental health fair.
"The group has blossomed," said Ms. McKeough. "Students are so supportive, thanking us for starting this and encouraging us to keep going. The positive feedback has been great."
Support also comes from Memorial's Counselling Centre, and senior leaders who understand that many young people feel more comfortable talking with peers about their mental health struggles.
One of the most surprising and satisfying results of the group's creation for Ms. McKeough has been the high level of interest from the local community, including local media, who interview her regularly about mental health issues.
"VOCM Nightline has us on regularly, CBC has us on too, and the Muse has interviewed us," she said. "And in the school community as well we are getting requests. We went to Holy Heart for their Wholly Heart Wellness Day, where we presented about life after high school. Students there said presentations were amazing, and we've been invited there a couple of times."
Nursing student year Charlie Salter, also on the executive of MUNMinds, recently took part in All-Party Committee meeting on mental health and addictions that is focused on mental health reform in the province.
"Being a nursing student and involved in the healthcare system allows me to give a different and new perspective to policy makers and politicians," she said.
At the SON, Ms. McKeough's classmates, and faculty too, welcome the mental health expertise she brings, and appreciate her willingness to share her experiences.
If you'd like to know more about MUNMinds, have a look at their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/munminds?fref=ts and keep an eye out for upcoming events!