UPEI Mental Health Week 2018, March 12–16

The Mental Health Week Committee at the University of Prince Edward Island has unveiled its jam-packed, five-day schedule for UPEI Mental Health Week 2018. The program, that takes place March 12–16, continues with the theme, ‘relationships matter’.

“Our hope is to build a culture of care that nurtures and celebrates mental health and wellness of everyone in our UPEI community,” says MHW committee co-chair Anne Bartlett. “The events and sessions encourage students, staff and faculty to help themselves and each other by connecting and building relationships with others.”

Adds MHW committee co-chair Keith Lawlor, “We hope to instill the idea that at UPEI, no one is alone—there is always someone who can help.”

Two signature events during the week include:

• MHW’s Keynote Address with Wil Gunning (Tuesday, 11:30 am–12:30 pm, McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre)—Wil Gunning is the captain of a fishing enterprise, a local entrepreneur of two companies, a mentor for young adults, and a keynote speaker who travels throughout Canada sharing stories of his experience in the foster care system. Wil speaks about why he went into care and the life experiences that have shaped him into the person he is today. He will share how he navigated his childhood and the importance of building relationships with others and oneself.
   
• Personal Story & Performance by Problematic (Thursday 8:00–9:00 pm, The Wave, W.A. Murphy Student Centre)—He goes by the name of Problematic, but is also known as Greg Macdonald, an alternative hip hop artist with a unique storytelling twist. Greg’s life has not been an easy one. As a child, he experienced pain and adversity as a result of abuse, and later lost his best friend tragically in a fire. Trying to work through his pain and depression, he turned to music where the creation and act of writing became his greatest outlet. Greg’s music, influenced by a wide variety of artists from Nickleback to Eminem and 2pac, is becoming increasingly popular and he is getting ready to release his debut album. Come hear his story, and listen to a few of his tracks—you don’t want to miss this one.  All ages are welcome, admission is free. Watch his YouTube video for a sneak preview!

The full schedule of events can be found at upei.ca/mentalhealthweek.