Post Grad Addictions and Mental Health Information Fair

Post graduate students from Humber College’s Addictions and Mental Health program showcased current projects during an informational fair last week.

From 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 at Humber Lakeshore Campus in the ‘Blue Room’ (A building) teams of students presented various works with one common theme, to help address mental health disorders.

“I have a passion for working with people and prior to this, a degree in Family and Community Social Services so it was just very natural to just further my education with Humber, in addition to mental health,” said Steven Phung, a current student in the program.

A wide array of displays, presentations, and interactive games addressed the different stigmas of addiction and mental health. All those interested in learning about addictions and/or mental health were urged to attend and seek out what information they may need.

Beer Goggles, a booth set up by post grad student Adriana Trigiani reminded Humber students about impairment from drinking while driving. Trigiani feels it is important to know the facts about drinking and driving as people tend to reach for alcohol as a coping mechanism through stress or weekend partying. She reminded her visitors that driving under the influence does not only affect one’s self, but affects and impairs all who are near.

(Photo Description: Adriana Trigiani’s ‘beer goggles’ game)

“We’ve got an alcohol booth here where students try on a pair of beer goggles to show how their coordination is impaired by drinking while promoting NOT drinking and driving,” said Trigiani. “So with the beer goggles on you throw the bean bags into the frog’s mouth and then we have a puzzle that you are timed doing as well.”

My Mind Matters, another booth in the fair included a mental health trivia game where Humber College notepads were given as prizes. Working as a team, post grad students Erin Brown, Julia Sormaz, and Dimitria Kyriakoulias were very informative when describing addiction and mental health in relation to one’s mind.

(Photo Description: Students Erin Brown, Julia Sormaz, and Dimitria Kyriakoulias)

“So what we did first was contact services at Humber including counselling and the gymnasium. We obtained information on what students can do that’s both affordable and accessible,” said Brown. “We also created colouring books which is a form of mindfulness which we utilize. We also promote healthy eating as well.”

Jenn Snell along with her group displayed information about bi-polar disorder. They used their knowledge of the disease to inform the public and addressed the stigma attached to both those susceptible, and those it affects.

(Photo Description: Bi-polar disorder presentation by student Jenn Snell and her team)

“Bi-polar disorder is treatable through medication, and through therapy or counselling. Treatment usually increases the productivity of one’s life while increasing function-ability,” said Snell. “One of the top prescriptions for this Lithium as it balances out the brainwaves, thus increasing human function.”

For more information on addiction and mental health please contact Humber Lakeshore Counselling Services at 416 675 6622 ext. 3331.