The University’s celebrating a decade of its annual Thrive Week, a campus-wide push to promote mental health and well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
Taking place from Nov. 4 to 8, the week features activities designed to positive mental health and foster a sense of community. This year’s themes of resilience and growth highlight Queen’s journey of adaptation and recovery since the pandemic, focusing on changes in both workplace and personal settings.
“This is a truly exciting year for Thrive and represents a decade-long commitment to wellness from the entire Queen’s community,” Sydney Downey, director of employee wellness services (human resources) said in the Gazette.
Thrive Week stresses the importance of making mental health resources accessible at Queen’s and the subsequent need to students and colleagues in distress. A key focus of the initiative is fostering connection providing opportunities for interaction, reflection and mutual according to Downey.
On Nov. 4, Chancellor Shelagh Rogers gave a talk titled, “THRIVE Together: Chancellor Roger’s Journey of Hope and Resilience” where she shared her personal experiences with mental health, detailing her journey towards acceptance and her advocacy for mental health awareness and care. The event, held online on Teams, drew over 200 participants, including faculty, staff, and students.
READ MORE: Homecoming: Shelagh Rogers returns to Queen’s University as Chancellor
Chancellor Rogers drew a parallel between the 10th anniversary of Thrive Week and the strength of tin and aluminum, noting their durability. She highlighted how tin ceilings from the early 1900s remain intact and aluminum’s corrosion resistance makes it a staple in modern car production.
“We’re resistant to corrosion, and we’re durable, and we’re here together to celebrate thrive,” Rogers told the virtual audience.
Calling depression “The Big Empty,” Chancellor Rogers shared her hardship after being diagnosed with depression where she wasn’t able to associate herself with the word.
In response to her talk and journey, many attendees shared encouraging comments and personal stories, noting her talk displayed a level of bravery and vulnerability they deeply appreciated.
The celebration spanned a week of events, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to participate in both scheduled activities and Thrive 365 Events, including a session on how to colleagues navigating grief.
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