A group of students at the University of British Columbia have started a support group for fellow students who may be struggling with mental illness or addictions.
The Kaleidoscope, with the help of founders Andrea Blair and Trevor Evangelista, meets weekly with students and provides them with a judgement-free, safe and confidential environment to share their stories and seek help and guidance with any mental health issues or concerns they may have, according to the group’s website.
“College life can be a trigger for the onset of mental illness or drug misuse,” Blair said, also adding that both she and Evangelista have had mental illness hit close to home.
“[Evangelista] has personal experience with someone living with mental illness and I lost a friend who committed suicide when he was very young,” Blair said.
Using their past experiences as well as their understanding of the mental health issues that students can be exposed to, Blair and Evangelista formed the group in September of this year in co-operation with the Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia, as well as the Institute of Mental Health.
One of the primary focuses of the group is to eliminate stigma and discrimination that people who suffer from mental illness face in their daily lives.
Blair said they hope the students who attend their group will become “empowered ambassadors” in their community and work toward eliminating discrimination for those struggling with mental illness.
“The status quo is always going to be difficult to change, no matter what the issue: we want to lead by example in the hope that others will notice and follow,” Blair said. “It already seems to be working.”
Nicole Vittoz, another facilitator at the centre, said students who do not have diagnosed conditions can also take full advantage of the center.
“Shouldn't everyone check in now and then with their internal status, acknowledge and honour any anxieties or stressors that have haunted them that week, and discuss [and] share helpful strategies for coping?” she said.
Additionally, the centre is being used to initiate conversation about mental health’s place in society and culture.
“We are also hoping our group provides a good forum for dialogue on mental health discussions outside of personal issues, and we frequently get into topics related to mental health and society, culture, science and research,” student facilitator Victor Tang said.