The Human Resources and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) teams at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) transformed the Drs. Sylvia & Richard Cruess Amphitheatre into a sanctuary of mental wellness on May 8. Their two-part event, “Update Your Mental Health Toolkit,” was designed not only to inform, but to inspire. Attendees were invited to embark on a journey of understanding the pivotal role of mental health in their personal and professional success, while also discovering the rejuvenating power of meditation amidst life’s constant hustle and bustle.
“Our event had two goals,” explained Diego Herrera, PhD, EDI Specialist at the RI-MUHC. “First, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health, including its current state in Canada and its crucial role in achieving personal and professional success. Second, we wanted to offer a practical session on meditation, demonstrating how it can cultivate lasting and authentic well-being despite the busyness and agitation of daily life.”
Part of Canadian Mental Health Week, this event delved into various facets of mental health both in and out of the workplace. The first session featured Deborah Da Costa, PhD, a scientist in the Child Health and Human Development (CHHD) Program, alongside her research trainees Nadia Deville, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow, and Monica Vaillancourt, a PhD candidate. They presented an insightful overview of key stressors and typical stress responses, highlighting evidence-based practices for preserving mental health and managing stress effectively.
The presentation facilitated a lively discussion among attendees about their personal stress indicators and preferred relaxation techniques. Aimee Ryan, PhD, a scientist in the CHHD Program, RI-MUHC, and Associate Dean, Biomedical B.Sc., Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, showcased the array of mental health resources and solutions available to all McGill students. Sonia Rea, Director of the Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety Division at the RI-MUHC, presented health and wellness resources available for RI-MUHC employees and research trainees.
Following a refreshing break with fruit smoothies and conversation, Guèn Kelsang Chögyan, a Buddhist monk from the Kadampa Meditation Centre Montreal, led a session including two guided meditations and discussions on stressors, focus, and the significance of meditation in maintaining mental health. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, leaving attendees equipped with practical tools to enhance their mental well-being.
“The Mental Health Workshop did a great job of presenting how to manage stress in everyday life,” said Trent Nelson, Environmental Health and Safety Officer at the RI-MUHC. “I really enjoyed the meditation session because it provided me with new perspectives on meditation and inspired me to continue working on it in my own life.”
“This was a great initiative from the RI-MUHC to help us with getting new tools for our mental health,” said Lise Sirois, Administrator in the Technology Platforms team at the Centre for Translational Biology. “I found the information presented to be very useful and the presence of the monk was the cherry on the top! Getting guidance from a professional on how to meditate was very satisfying.”
A representative from the Dialogue platform was on hand to share information about this new telemedicine benefit for RI-MUHC employees. More information is available in the RI Portal (intranet) under Human Resources—Employee Benefits—Telemedicine, or by contacting the HR Centre at ri.hr.centre@muhc.mcgill.ca.
