Jodie Vanderslot | Health Editor
Featured Image: Active Minds and warm hearts. | Basma Elbahnasawy
Active Minds@York is a mental health organization dedicated to raising awareness of and promoting resources that advocate positive mental health.
“Our goal is to provide a positive environment on campus, and to build a supportive and healthy community through our events, tablings, articles, and wonderful members. We understand that suicide is a serious issue,” they explain.
Throughout September, they dedicated their time to spreading awareness about suicide prevention and intervention through events such as their henna activity, monthly articles, and pet therapy sessions.
Animals—without even realizing—seem to know exactly what we need, being able to recognize when humans are in distress and in need of a friend. It’s also been scientifically proven that the bond we share with man’s best friend—or any amiable, comforting animal, for that matter—can be beneficial to one’s mental health.
“Research suggests that interaction with pets can reduce stress and anxiety, so as a mental health organization on campus, we wanted our first open house event to be a Pet Therapy event to welcome our members and guests to the new school year, and take stress away from what they are expecting ahead with all of their upcoming assignments and exams,” says Active Minds@York.
While the joyful, peaceful air of the dogs’ presence stole the show on September 20, it was not the sole focus of the day, as some true, raw conversations around mental health and personal experiences also took place. The event was held in Calumet College, and was hosted in collaboration with Active Minds@York, Habitat Friends, and the Cognitive Science Student Association.
“The event went very well—around 300 students came by and interacted with our dogs! We look to hold similar events throughout the year that can be both stress-relieving and fun at the same time!,” adds the organization.
“Our main objective is to end the stigma around mental health, promote the value of it, and spread awareness of the cause.”
