October 12, 2012 | Ontario

This fall, healthcare students in Ontario can enhance their learning with a new community-produced series called Mind Matters, airing on Rogers TV in Waterloo. Created by the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, the new program will be a way to bring personal stories into the homes of families across Ontario and possibly even relate to those living with mental illnesses, according to The Guelph Mercury.

Local Stories
Each episode will feature accounts from guests who live with mental illness and are comfortable sharing the highs and lows of coping with their condition. Along with these intimate tales, professionals and local community centres will make appearances, showing viewers where and whom they can contact to seek help if they need it.

The first four pilot episodes will showcase a total of 13 individuals and nine separate agencies that offer services for people with mental illnesses. In the first episode, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Grand River Hospital and Parents for Children's Mental Health are some of the organizations that share their insight on the topic. The theme of the episode centres around families supporting a loved one with a mental illness, and how to best reach out to individuals with a disorder.

Other episodes will dive deeper into mental illness, touching upon suicide, methods of self-help and places to turn to in the community that provide service to improve mental health.

Viewers will get to observe psychotherapists, leaders of nonprofit organizations, active community service members and hospital staff in these episodes, and weigh their options on the best type of work environment for them. For those who choose to stay within Ontario to further their education and start their careers, they can even consider contacting some of the leading mental health professionals in each episode by contacting offices like the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health.

Face the Statistics
According to the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, nearly 4,000 Canadians commit suicide every year, making it one of the leading causes of premature death in the nation. It is also the second-leading cause of death among young adults. By promoting and supporting community efforts such as the Mind Matters TV series, those entering the mental health sector can become more involved in their careers and even discover possible roles that appeal to them as career options.  

Students interested in earning an education in the healthcare field can enroll in courses at CDI College. For more information, fill out the form on the right.