SMH Day at Vancouver Island University Nanaimo and Duncan Oct.26, 2010

SMH Days on Campus Allows Vancouver Island University Nanaimo to Share Mental Health Strategies, Challenges and Research with Other Top Schools Across Canada

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Keep Up to Date on SMH Day at VIU

Both Shows in Nanaimo and Duncan are Free for All Students, Faculty, Staff and the Community

SMH is Proud to Partner with VIHA to Bring SMH Victoria to VIU

Message from
Ralph Nilson
President of Vancouver Island University

At Vancouver Island University we encourage our students and our employees to Explore their options, Discover more about our world and Excel in whatever they choose to do. Providing an environment that allows for this type of discovery and exploration is a priority at VIU.

To ensure the health and well-being of our employees and students as they embark on their journey at VIU we provide access to an array of healthy lifestyle opportunities and wellness supports. To this end, I am delighted to welcome members of the Stand Up For Mental Health comedy troupe to the Vancouver Island University's Nanaimo and Duncan Campuses.

Mental health is critical to an individual's overall wellbeing. Mental health problems and disorders, including addictions, are widespread throughout all segments of society. One in five British Columbians, or approximately 882,000 people, will experience some form of mental health disorder this year.

To assist all of us in developing a better understanding regarding mental health, I am pleased to welcome, Stand Up for Mental Health's extraordinary comedian troupe to VIU. The cast of this production will share their personal (and humorous) mental-health stories and facilitate candid discussions about mental health issues in Canada. It is the aim of this presentation to dispel myths and stigma associated with mental illness. As you know laughter is good for our physical and mental well being. I strongly support this initiative and hope many of you are able to join our students and colleagues in sharing a laugh as we gain new understandings and insights on mental health myths.