I’ve been in therapy since I was 16. This isn’t a melodramatic announcement. In fact, it’s something that I’ve been open with since I started, and that’s always been something I’m grateful for. I never felt judged for saying that I was in therapy, never felt uncomfortable disclosing that sometimes I would get so anxious that the walls would close in. I was supported, hugged, and assisted in walking through the fire. This has been an immensely privileged part of my life. Others are not so lucky.Today, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. 1 in 4 university students have a diagnosable mental illness. This is a problem that universities are failing to address, at the cost of student wellbeing. This year, Overheard at Queen’s sounded off about the lack of mental health resources on our campus, after a story about a student being refused a refill of their prescription went viral. Clearly, something needs to change.This month, we’ve collaborated with an organization fighting for this change, jack.org. This week, to celebrate Bell Let’s Talk, our own writers have written about their own experiences. and we invite you to talk, write, and share about yours with us as well.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness,here are some resources that could help.Good2Talk, confidential 24/7 helpline for post-secondary students – 1-888-925-5454Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868Kingston/Frontenac Addiction Crisis Line - 24/7 Crisis Phone Line:  613.544.4229Toll Free: 1.866.616.6005