The U of A Library is proud to partner with the U of A’s Wellness Supports Team for the Days of Action. This collaboration is dedicated to fostering a supportive community by providing information and resources, encouraging open discussion, and actively working to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health at the University of Alberta. The following article is co-authored by Lucinda Johnston, Faculty Engagement Librarian and Heather Ritz, Community Social Worker.
The Library and Your Well-being
On September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day, your University of Alberta Library joins a global conversation about mental health and well-being. More than just a place for research and study, the library is a vital community hub where you can find support, resources, and a space for quiet reflection. As we return to campus and the rhythm of a new academic year, we want to remind you that your mental health matters and that the library is here for you.
Taking care of ourselves also means planning ahead. Think about what you might need to support your well-being as the semester progresses. The library offers unique resources specifically designed for de-stressing and finding a moment of calm:
- Light therapy lamps available for borrowing from most locations.
- Video games that you can borrow.
- A wide selection of physical or digital films from streaming databases like Criterion-on-Demand, Films on Demand, Kanopy, and NFB Education.
- Music resources from streaming databases like Berliner Philharmoniker: Digital Concert Hall, medici.tv, Naxos Music Library, and OperaVision
- A huge collection of books and graphic novels on a variety of topics.
Where, When, and How to Ask for Help
A holistic approach to mental health recognizes that we are diverse people with diverse needs—and that help doesn’t always come in one form. Knowing where, when, and how to ask for help is a powerful first step. On our campus, there are a range of supports available, from health and wellness services and mental health education, to culturally grounded resources like First Peoples’ House and peer-to-peer support through the Peer Support Centre. Off-campus resources also play a critical role, and we encourage you to explore what’s available in the wider community.
Suicide prevention starts with breaking the silence. We all have a role to play in challenging the stigma around suicide and mental health struggles. These challenges don’t always look the same, and the reasons people struggle are shaped by their unique circumstances, identities, and stages of life. Each experience is valid, and each person deserves support.
Suicide prevention is more than knowing where to turn when experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness. It’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to speak openly and ask for help—without shame. It’s about reaching out when we notice someone struggling, and learning how to respond in caring, informed ways. These are skills we can all build.
Understanding Suicide Prevention
This week, and throughout the year, we invite you to join us in learning more about suicide prevention and how we can care for each other in compassionate, meaningful ways. Our library collection offers many resources that might be helpful in understanding suicide prevention. Some titles include:
- Suicide Prevention by Kristine Bertini
- Alternatives to Suicide: beyond risk and toward a life worth living edited by Andrew Page and Werner Stritzke
- The International Handbook of Suicide Prevention edited by Rory O’Connor and Jane Pirkis
Together, we can create a campus where no one feels like they have to face things alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, visit Need Help Now for campus and community mental health supports.
Call 911 if there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.
This content is licensed under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Creative Commons licence.
