Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, support is available:

• Algoma University Wellness Team: [email protected] 

• National Suicide Helpline: Call or Text 9-8-8

• Good2Talk: Call 1-866–925-5454 or text “GOOD2TALKON” to 686868

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A mental health statement in the syllabus can be impactful because it helps to create a safer, more supportive, and inclusive academic environment where students are encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being and know where to go for help. It fosters a culture of empathy, reduces stigma, and contributes to students’ overall success both in and outside of the classroom.

 

• Your well-being is very important to me. As an Algoma U student, there are many safe, inclusive and diverse services, accessible 24/7, to support your wellness needs. 
  • If you, or somebody you know, is thinking about suicide. Please call 9-8-8 to connect with a responder and get help, without judgment. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. For more information, visit https://988.ca.
  • The IM Well App is FREE to all students and can be downloaded to your mobile phone. It offers live chat 24/7 with access to counselling support in over 240 languages.  It’s safe and confidential and counselling is available within minutes.
  • TalkCampus – Get instant support for your mental health any time of day and night through the TalkCampus app. Talk anonymously to students from universities and colleges around the world going through the exact same struggles as you any time of day or night.  This is a safe place where you can talk anonymously about anything and get support for your mental health and whatever is on your mind.
  • Good 2 Talk is a Confidential Post-Secondary Student Helpline. It operates 24/7. You can call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. A full list of resources can be found on our website and on your student portal.Your AU Wellness team is happy to connect you to whatever resources best fit your current needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] for your mental health and wellness concerns.

The Wellness Team is available for in-class information sessions for you and your students. Requests can be made here: 

• Brampton

 

• Sault Ste Marie/Timmins

• The Wellness Team offers interactive classroom presentations and specialized training sessions to help build a safer, more supportive campus community. Faculty, staff, and student groups can request customized information sessions on a variety of mental health and wellness topics, as well as evidence-informed trainings such as:
  • safeTALK
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • Bringing in the Bystander®
  • Crisis De-Escalation 

These sessions are designed to increase awareness, build confidence, and equip participants with practical skills to recognize concerns, respond effectively, and support others.

Embedding Wellness into your Classroom: 

• Create a Supportive Classroom Environment

• • Creating a supportive and welcoming environment begins with fostering inclusivity by embracing diverse perspectives and ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. Normalizing mental health conversations is equally vital, as it encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and promotes well-being. Building trust serves as the foundation for these efforts, requiring transparency, consistency, and genuine care in every interaction to cultivate meaningful connections and a sense of safety.

 

• Providing Proactive Support

• • Regular check-ins provide opportunities to connect, build rapport, and identify any emerging concerns, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel seen and valued. By actively engaging during these interactions, you can recognize signs of distress early, such as changes in behaviour, mood, or communication, and respond with appropriate support or resources to promote well-being.

 

• Promoting Self-Care

• • Encouraging regular breaks helps promote balance and prevent burnout, allowing individuals to recharge and maintain focus. By modeling healthy behaviors, such as prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, you demonstrate the importance of well-being in daily routines. Providing access to wellness resources further supports physical and mental health, empowering individuals to make informed choices for their overall well-being.

 

• Preparing for Crisis Situations

• • Understanding your role and being familiar with campus protocols are essential for responding effectively in any situation, ensuring actions align with institutional policies and best practices. Taking immediate action when necessary can prevent escalation and demonstrates a commitment to safety and support. Equally important is maintaining confidentiality, which protects the privacy and dignity of individuals while fostering trust and compliance with ethical and legal standards.