By Avreet Jagdev

A recent Toronto Star article brings to light an important but less than happy fact: the majority of post-secondary students are grappling with their mental health, especially after a rough couple of semesters riddled with Covid. Factors like poor sleep schedules and lack of in-person interactions has only exacerbated the issue.

If you have found that you’ve been feeling sad, unmotivated, or just not too great – you are not alone. Although mental health is an incredibly important topic, it’s also one that is not talked about enough. Because of the stigma that surrounds mental health, it can be difficult to discuss what you’re going through, let alone seek the support that you might need. This is why it’s even more important to have these discussions, so that people know they are not alone in their struggles with their mental health, and are empowered to seek resources and support.

In addition to having conversations about mental health, there are many job and volunteer positions that can help you make a difference. If you’re looking to make an impact, are some opportunities to get you started:

1. Volunteer at CAMH

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is an organization that performs research, provides training to health professionals, and advocates for mental health care. There are ten locations across Ontario, and volunteering at CAMH has many benefits – in addition to making an impact, you get the opportunity to network, gain knowledge, and receive letters of recommendation.

2. Work or become a volunteer with Kids Help Phone

Kid’s Help Phone is Canada’s 24/7 online mental health service for children and youth. It provides confidential support to young people in both English and French. Since it’s a fully online nationwide service, you can volunteer with them from anywhere in the country! For post-grads, they also have many job opportunities available.

3. Volunteer at your school’s mental health service center

Whether you’re in high school or post-secondary, your school likely has mental health services and resources for its students. If you’d like to create an impact within your own community, it’s a great idea to reach out to your school’s counselor or mental health service center, to see how you can get involved!

4. Pursue a career with the Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a non-profit Canadian organization dedicated to mental health support and advocacy. If you’d like to dedicate your career to mental health, working with the Canadian Mental Health Association is a wonderful way to do so!

5. Become a Volunteer Angel with the Nanny Angel Network

If you have a couple extra hours a week to spare, consider becoming a Nanny Angel with the Nanny Angel Network! It’s an organization dedicated to supporting children whose families are affected by cancer. You’re able to volunteer both in-home and virtually, and doing so makes a huge impact in the lives of children who might be dealing with grief.