Mental Health: A positive sense of emotional well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity 

Mental Illness: A wide range of mental health disorders characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, and behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning

Depending on what website and who you talk to the terms mental illness and mental health can have varying definitions. Even when you dive into medical resources, there is not one sole definition that you can find. The idea of having good mental health equaling not having a mental illness just isn’t true, you can have a mental illness but have good mental health, and vice versa (Elmer, 2023). In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common (Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2022). In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year (Geneva: World Health Organization, 2022). 

Society has now emphasized the importance of proper language when referring to an individual's mental health (Elmer, 2023). Society still uses the term mental illness when describing someone's mental state. Still, it is now evolving to use the term ‘Mental Health Condition’ as it creates further separation from the stigmatizing term “mentally ill person” (Elmer, 2023). 

The difference between mental health and mental illness can bring up many questions and opinions regarding one health, some frequently asked questions regarding the two are:

1. Can you have poor mental health without a mental illness?

2. Can you have a mental illness with good mental health?

3. Can you prevent mental illness?

4. If I’m not happy, is my mental health poor?

You are able to have a mental illness, like anxiety or depression, but have a good sense of mental health, the two are not synonymous to each other. However, the key is to be proactive and focus each when necessary, by either going to get additional support or creating downtime to rest, relax, and recharge. 

A good first step for supporting your mental health involves discovering coping skills that work well for you. These might include:

• Journaling

• Meditation or mindfulness practices

• Deep breathing exercises

• Moving your body in some way (stretching, going for a walk, etc.)

• Listening to music

• Treating yourself to something nice after getting through something challenging

• Engaging in activities you find meaningful and enjoyable, like volunteering or gardening

• Spending time with friends and loved ones

There are many supports that Lakehead offers, if you visit the Stepped Care page there are over 8 resources available to you if you need to talk to someone. As well, many resources are available in Orillia if you feel like you need help with your mental health, those include: 

• Counsellors through #Ready2Talk CFS Counselling + Wellbeing Clinics at Lakehead 

• Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital - Community Mental Health Service

• Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre - Community Mental Health and Addictions Outreach Services  

• Crisis Response Services -  24/7 crisis line staffed by the Canadian Mental Health Association

Citations

Healthline. (2023). Mental health vs. mental illness: What's the difference? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-vs-mental-illness#tips-for-well-being

Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2022.). Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx). Retrieved May 14, 2022, from https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/

World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic’s impact. Geneva.

- Tessa Wilkins, Peer Wellness Educator

Supporting your mental well-being is such an important part of not only being a student, but also a human. There are countless ways to support your wellness and we reached out to Lakehead staff for their recommendations on apps, books, shows, podcasts and that they use to support their wellness. Browse through our list of recommendations and try some for yourself on your path to mental health. 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may have plans to meet up with a significant other or sexual partner to celebrate the holiday. Although Valentine’s Day can be an exciting time for people, it is also a time for which the topic of consent is extremely important. 

What is Consent?

Consent is a mutual agreement between two people that should occur prior and during sexual relations. Consent is not a simple “yes” or “no” answer, rather it can look different for everyone. Some examples of consent are:

-  Asking permission before changing activities. (ex. Is it okay if I...?)

-  Being sure that both parties are interested in participating. 

- Setting boundaries 

- Creating a safe environment, where the people involved are aware the event can stop at any time. 

It is important to note that consent is essential to any healthy relationship. 

Consent is not…

• Based on someone’s appearance or personality (revealing clothing, flirting, kissing, etc)

• Binding if one or more of the participating parties are intoxicated. 

• Accepting that someone has explicitly said “no” and continuing anyways. 

Before participating in any activities this Valentines Day and beyond, it is important to be certain that everything is consensual, and that all parties have agreed to participate. 

If you need support, Student Health and Wellness has many resources available to students. For more information on the resources available to you, click here.

- Makayla Foster, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances in Canada. Factors such as age, health and family medical history will affect how you experience cannabis use. The type of cannabis you use can also impact how you are affected by it as it comes in different strengths. Thus, it is vital if you decide to use cannabis, to be aware of its level of strength and how long you might experience the effects of it. Make sure to talk to a health care provider or pharmacist if you are using prescription, non-prescription or herbal products to avoid negative drug interactions.

If you decide to use cannabis you need to know what you are using, how strong it is, and how long the effects might last. It is also important to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking any prescription, non-prescription and/or herbal products to ensure that there are no negative drug interactions. 

There is an increasing amount of research into the active ingredients in cannabis, how they impact the mind and their possible medicinal properties. Studies are finding more information about the harms that can happen from using cannabis such as injury, damage to the developing brain, and increased risks for major mental health disorders. Think about your personal risks and if you choose to use cannabis, learn about safer ways to use. See Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for more details.

Make sure you know the laws regarding cannabis for where you live. Each province and local government/town or city across Canada can have different by-laws and laws dealing with cannabis. Check the municipal, provincial, and federal cannabis laws before you buy, possess, or consume cannabis.  The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, does not allow smoking or vaping cannabis in Ontario wherever it is illegal to smoke commercial tobacco products or vape.

 Cannabis And the Impact It Has on Health

 Cannabis, like any other drugs, can be harmful to your health. The risks are increased when:

• use starts in the teen years

• cannabis is used every day or almost daily basis;

• the person utilizing cannabis has a personal or family history of substance use and/or mental health problems.

Look at some of the health risks shown by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), such as mental health problems, impaired motor coordination and judgement, effects on the respiratory system and risk of using during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The human body has a system that makes its own cannabinoids. This system runs many functions in the human body. It reacts to cannabinoids put into the body, which is why using cannabis affects the way a person thinks, feels and responds.  

Cannabis use impairs attention, judgement and coordination. Don't drive or operate machinery when using cannabis.

Cannabis use might increase manic symptoms in people who have bipolar disorder. If used often, cannabis might increase the risk of depression or worsen depression symptoms. Research suggests that cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis in people who have schizophrenia.

Smoking cannabis can affect your memory and cognitive function and cause harmful cardiovascular effects, such as high blood pressure. Long-term cannabis use can worsen respiratory conditions.

Safer Cannabis Use

If you choose to use cannabis, see the tips below to lower the risk of harm.

• Legal cannabis products are regulated and tested for quality. Legal cannabis products are safer to use than cannabis you may get from your dealer or a friend. Avoid using cannabis if you see mold and mildew on it.
•  Choose cannabis with lower levels of THC and try a small amount first. Some strains of cannabis may have higher THC content and may have a stronger effect than you were expecting, so be aware of the potency of the cannabis you are choosing to use. To be on the safe side, start small and use less. Smoking less helps reduce smoke and toxins in your lungs.​ You'll notice the full effects of smoking cannabis within 30 minutes of smoking it. Most physical and psychological effects of smoking cannabis will wear off within five hours but this can vary depending on the person.

• Try cannabis in a safe setting where you feel comfortable and have support from people you know and that you can count on.

Problematic Cannabis Use

Using cannabis is a problem when it negatively affects your life or the lives of others. We may think this refers to people who use large amounts of cannabis on a regular basis, but even using cannabis on a single occasion can lead to issues. You may make a poor decision, such as driving a car before the effects of cannabis have worn off.

The risk of developing problems is often connected to the reason a person chooses to use cannabis to begin with. If someone uses cannabis now and then to have fun socially, then they will likely only use cannabis socially and occasionally – similar to having an alcoholic drink while at a party. But when a person uses cannabis to cope with challenges related to mental health and wellness or chronic stress, it may lead to long-lasting and intense use of cannabis. 

While most people who use cannabis do not become dependent on the drug, those who use cannabis frequently over a long period of time may be putting themselves at some risk. A person who uses cannabis frequently or on a daily basis may feel they need to use cannabis to feel normal and function during the day.

People who stop using cannabis after regular use may experience mild feelings of withdrawal, such as irritability, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. 

Learn more about your cannabis use and the resources available with this guide from CCSA. 

-Logan Ryder, Peer Wellness Educator 

Whether you are new to Thunder Bay or are simply looking to try new things. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy for free and at your own expense to fill your summer with positive memories and experience what this city has to offer!  

As a Thunder Bay local, I have attended many events and participated in various different activities throughout my beautiful city. Therefore, I have compiled a list of fun things to do and ways to enjoy our warm summer months as a true ‘Thunder Bayan.’

Events

Attending local events is a great way to explore the city and meet new people without the added stress of planning or hosting an event. Throughout the warmer months, an event is hosted nearly everyday, which provides newcomers and locals with the opportunity to try new things on a regular basis.

A great way to stay updated on local events is to check out the City of Thunder Bay’s Community Events Calendar. This calendar includes an array of information pertaining to what’s happening in the city and when. 

Another source I commonly refer to when looking for events is the Walleye, which is a free local magazine that is published monthly. You can pick up a copy of the Walleye at a local retailer or access it digitally online. 

Despite the array of amazing events that are available to the general public, the events listed below are two that I prioritize attending each year. 

Thunder Bay Country Market: Although this occurs every Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8:00am-1:00pm year round, I enjoy going in the summer as there is a large variety of fresh produce from local farmers. The Country Market is full of local vendors who offer an array of products such as groceries, baked goods, crafts, and art. The Country Market is a great place to grab a bite to eat from places such as Boreal Bakery and pick up gifts from Red Door Metalworks.

Live on the Waterfront: If you’re looking for something to help you get through the week, attending a waterfront concert is a must see as it is entertaining for all ages. Every Wednesday night from 6:00-9:00 pm from July 19 to August 16, 2023, the Marina Park will turn into a concert venue where you can listen to live music for free. In addition to music, there are multiple food trucks where you can purchase refreshments and snacks. If you plan on stopping by, I would recommend bringing lawn chairs and arriving early as parking and prime seating fills up quickly.

Activities

If crowded events don’t interest you, there are various fun activities you can participate in throughout the city on your own terms. 

Indoor Attractions 

• Centennial Botanical Conservatory: A beautiful indoor garden center with various flowers, cacti and trees to explore

• Lakeside Studio and Cafe: A creative space to participate  in workshops or freely create art

• Thunder Bay Art Gallery: Showcases various art from talented artists through permanent and temporary exhibitions

• Thunder Bay Museum: Learn about our city’s heritage via a three floor museum that display over 10,000 years of history with some displays changing a few times a year 

• Local Shopping: Various local hot spots for shopping include places such as Goods and Co, Mars Clothing, and Sleeping Giant Antiques

• Downtown Restaurants/Bars: Most local restaurants are located downtown, including  Bight, Madhouse, Lot 66, and Subdivision. 

Outdoor Attractions

• Marina Park: Overlooks the waterfront, includes activities such as sailing, a splash pad, skate park, and paved path for running, walking, cycling etc.

• Belluz Farms: Head to a local farm to hand pick fresh strawberries in the summer sun and stop by their farm store to purchase other produce

• Fort William Historical Park: Reconstruction of multiple buildings from the headquarters of world's largest fur trading post in 1816 

• International Friendship Gardens: Highlights 18 ethnic groups via various monuments along a paved walking trail surrounded by beautiful gardens 

• Local Sports Events: A great watch is the Thunder Bay Chill (Soccer), and Border Cats (Baseball) or attend/participate in a local running (Meter Eaters, UpRiver Running), cycling (Black Sheep, Thunder Bay Cycling Club) or golf event (Chapples, Strathcona)

• Local Trails: Various paved and unpaved trails are available throughout the city including Centennial Park, Tree Farm, Cascades Conservation Area, and Boulevard Lake Trails

-Madeline Fabiano, Student Health and Wellness Summer Assistant

As a student-athlete who is taking a full course load and working a part-time job it is crucial for me to manage my time efficiently. This semester I am trying to implement a new routine and novel habits. On Sundays I am prioritizing meal-prepping, cleaning, and laundry while the rest of the week is devoted to my academic responsibilities, work commitments and sports while maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the week. 

Meal Prep

Meal preparation proves to be an excellent strategy for reclaiming time during my hectic days. Before making food it is essential to plan meals ahead, ensuring I have the necessary ingredients on hand. While I often use the InstaCart app for grocery shopping to save time, it comes with drawbacks by paying higher prices because of the service fees and potential mismatches in pricing compared to in-store items. When the time permits, I prefer to visit a familiar grocery store with a pre-made list to speed up the process. Another time-saving tactic involves opting for store bought frozen food, although it comes with trade-offs like preservatives, high sodium and fat content, and reduced vitamin content.

A few meals that I have prepared: 

• Stew and rice

• Pasta with marinara sauce 

• Shrimp fried rice

• Lasagna

• Chicken Salad

• Burrito bowls

• Salmon bowls

• Protein balls

Key considerations for efficient meal prep include: 

• Have adequate containers for your food

• It can take a lot of time

• Plan what you want to eat/cook for the week

• Switch what food you make

• Label the date on the containers

• Freeze the food if you plan on keeping it for a longer period of time (better than store bought frozen food)

• When making salad keep the dressing in a separate container, you don’t want your greens to wilt.

Cleaning

Maintaining a clean and organized living space offers me numerous benefits, including increased productivity, happiness, and focus, along with reduced stress levels. Throughout the week I make a conscious effort to keep my space tidy by putting items away once I am done using them. On Sundays I dedicate some time to deep cleaning alternating between cleaning my room, and the kitchen and washroom. Despite a demanding schedule, putting time aside for these thorough cleanings contributes to an overall neater living environment.

Sleep

In order to optimize my energy during the day and for the week I try to get enough sleep. Adequate sleep not only helps enhance mood but also promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves memory and cognitive function, restores immunity, relieves stress, improves athletic performance and enhances digestion. Finally, by consistently adhering to a set sleep schedule, by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, helps regulate my body’s internal clock which facilitates waking up and falling asleep.

• Virginie Franks, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Welcome to both new and returning ThunderWolves as we commence the Winter 2024 semester. While we say our goodbyes to the Winter Break and the Year 2023, and begin a new academic term, it becomes crucial to maintain organization and readiness for the upcoming challenges the new term might bring. The start of a fresh semester may evoke stress and anxiety; therefore establishing a healthy routine, setting goals, staying organized, and being aware of the signs of burnout are key components for a successful journey.

Helpful Tips for the Upcoming Semester

Set some goals

Establishing goals can be important in attaining desired outcomes. Prior to this, it is crucial to reflect on both successes and areas for improvement from the previous semester. Compiling a list can help in the identification of positive aspects, by emphasizing strengths and accomplishments. Additionally, noting areas requiring improvements facilitates the formulation of a comprehensive plan for progress and highlights challenges encountered.

Constructing goals becomes more effective by employing the SMART goals guide. Regularly revisiting the objectives you set for yourself is essential, because it allows for adjustments if they prove to be counterproductive. Utilizing a to-do list aids in prioritizing daily, weekly, or monthly tasks, ensuring focus on the most important ones. While ambition is admirable, it's vital not to overwhelm oneself with an excess of tasks. Maintaining a task limit of three allows for manageable progress, with the option to add more once initial tasks are completed.

Stay Organized

Enhance your semester experience by prioritizing organization. Employ tools like planners, Google Calendar, and apps like Notion to optimize your schedule. Personally, I find Google Calendar particularly effective, offering flexibility to adjust activity times if needed. I meticulously plan my day on Google Calendar, allocating time for study sessions, classes, breaks, workouts, work commitments, and practice sessions. The calendar's reminder feature keeps you on track by sending timely notifications for upcoming activities. You can also add assignment deadlines and exam dates. 

When studying, assign specific break times to maintain focus during study sessions and reward yourself. However, ensure that you set a definite time for this "reward" to prevent unintended procrastination. Rewards could include enjoying a coffee, a snack, or a brief phone break. If these rewards lead to time mismanagement, consider alternative incentives.

Explore various study locations on campus for a change of scenery. Options like the library, the agora, the ATAC, the Study, or the Wolfden at the athletics building offer diverse environments to suit your preferences.

Kickstart your study routine from the first day of school and employ different techniques to prepare for upcoming exams. Techniques may include:

• Priming

• Second brain

• Bloom’s Taxonomy

• Feynman Technique

• Interleaving

• Space Repetition

Burnout

Navigating a student schedule can be overwhelming, therefore it is important to recognize signs of burnout before the semester begins. Identifying these indicators will allow you to determine when you need a break or when you need to seek additional help and support. Symptoms of burnout include:

• Overwhelming Exhaustion
• Sleep and Eating Inconsistencies
• Lack of Motivation
• Social Isolation

To manage burnout effectively, consider the following strategies:

• Establish a Simple Daily Routine
• Change Your Environment
• Prioritize Self-Care and Healthy Sleep
• Socialize with Friends and Family
• Incorporate Movement in Your Day
• Seek Professional Support

Recognizing and addressing burnout proactively enhances overall well-being and fosters a healthier academic experience.

For additional support in your academic semester, you can reach out to Student Health and Wellness for assistance in your overall well-being and for counselling services and health services. You can also reach out to the Academic Support Zone for assistance in your academics such as tutoring, writing support, academic skills support and available workshops.

• Virginie Franks, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

The term “healthy” is often thrown around quite a lot within social media and society in general. This term can look and mean very different things depending on the person, and there is not truly one specific definition that can fully encompass what a “healthy” person will look like. 

As the new year begins, you may have come across different diets to start in the new year, some of which include the 75 Hard Challenge (or its alter ego—75 Soft Challenge). While both of these diets/challenges can boost one’s motivation to change their lifestyle for the new year, it can also encourage a negative perception of one’s physical and mental abilities. 

Rather than beginning a rigorous diet or beginning a challenge, it may also be a good idea to start the year off by creating a stable morning routine and night routine to eventually build up to participating in physical challenges. 

Here are 5 tips for creating a routine that works for you!

1. Fix Your Sleep Schedule

You may have gotten used to going to bed at 3am and waking up at 1pm, however, this sleep schedule will (likely) not work when returning to the academic year. Developing a night routine, one where you can slowly unravel for the night prior to sleeping, is incredibly important when fixing one’s sleep schedule. This can be done by remembering to set your alarm for the following morning, limiting screen time prior to going to bed, and doing some wind down activities such as meditation or reading to increase sleepiness. 

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

While not all of us may feel as if we want to eat breakfast in the  morning, and can live off our iced coffees (guilty!), our bodies need healthy fuel to function, especially during the early mornings. Whether that be some overnight oats as you’re running out the door, or stopping by your favourite breakfast place to enjoy a full meal, food is fuel and an important part of a healthy routine. If you are looking for some inspiration, check out this article for some ideas!

3. Set Goals for Your Day

Goals are an important part of our daily lives—they give us something to strive for and can also provide us a routine, even on slow days. These goals do not have to be big ones (but they can be!). These daily to-do lists are a useful tool in keeping our lives organized, and can help with avoiding brain overload. There are some helpful apps for goal setting—for both academic and personal use—such as Finch, Everyday, and Habitify! 

4. Prioritize Self-Care

While January can appear to be a month of constantly achieving goals and striving towards a healthier you, it is important to recognize that nothing will be achieved without taking care of yourself first. Taking time to practice personal hygiene, spending time with friends, or having your own spa day are all different ways you can practice self-care. 

5. Make Time for Exercise

Exercise is an important part of our daily lives. Not everyone has time to spend hours in a gym, but there are other ways to exercise such as taking a walk outside, or completing a YouTube workout. By being physically active, it can help us balance out our busy schedules and allow us to be as alert and productive as possible.

- Makayla Foster, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Sleep is an important part of our daily routine, it helps us relax, refresh, and recharge for the next day ahead of us. We can disrupt our sleep schedule in many ways, by staying up late multiple times a week, not enough daily exercise, increased stress, and high use of electronics/screens before bed. With the new year upon us, this is a great time to create SMART goals in relation to our sleep. SMART goals are measures you can put in place that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Here are some example of SMART goals for your sleep in the new year:

Goal: Cut back on Caffeine 

“To enhance my sleep quality, I will limit my caffeine intake to no more than 2 cups of coffee per a day for the next month. I want to reduce my caffeine consumption to help me get a better sleep at night”

1. Specific: This goal outlines how much caffeine you will consume a day.

2. Measurable: You can count the number of cups of coffee you have per a day. 

3. Attainable: limiting caffeine is doable if you are determined to follow through with your plan.

4. Relevant: caffeine can have major effects on your sleep and lowering consumption can help produce better quality of sleep. 

5. Time-bound: Complete over the next month to see if there is a difference. 

Goal: Restrict Screen Time before Bed

“To have better quality and longer sleep, I want to reduce the amount of screen time I have before I go to sleep every night. I want to change that habit into reading a book” 

1. Specific: This goal outlines how I want to change my before bed screen time routine

2. Measurable: I can get a timer on my phone of how much screen time I get before I need to read (Ex. 15 min, then read a book for 30 min).

3. Attainable: Limiting screen time is doable as you can set a timer or put electronics in another room before bed.

4. Relevant: enhancing sleep quality will always be beneficial to your overall health. 

5. Time-bound: Complete over the next 2 months, if keeping on track - take away all screen time before bed in month 3.

Goal: Stick to a Sleep Schedule 

“To ensure the right amount of sleep I need to be healthy, I will stick to a more consistent amount of 8 hours of sleep a night” 

1. Specific: This goal outlines how much sleep a night I am aiming to get. 

2. Measurable: I can make a sleep schedule and ensure that I go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This will help me know I got the 8 hours of sleep I need.

3. Attainable: This can be accomplished by setting and alarm and sticking to a specific bedtime 

4. Relevant: This sleep schedule can ensure that your body gets the right amount of sleep needed each night for your age and to maintain positive mental and physical health. 

5. Time-bound: Complete over the next month to see the outcome of better sleep habits.

Tessa Wilkins, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Consent is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, laying the foundation of a healthy relationship and fostering mutual respect. The conversation around consent has gained momentum in recent years, challenging societal norms and emphasizing the importance of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing communication. Consent can also be present in different contexts, but communicating and respecting it is of utmost importance.

Defining Consent:

Consent is the voluntary, informed, and enthusiastic agreement between all parties involved in a particular activity. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a medical procedure, or even a simple interaction, obtaining consent is about acknowledging and respecting individual autonomy. It’s not just a one-time agreement but an ongoing process that can be revoked at any point if someone feels uncomfortable.

The Evolution of Consent Culture:

In recent years, the #MeToo movement and increased awareness around issues of sexual assault and harassment have propelled consent into the spotlight. Conversations around consent are evolving, challenging outdated notions and emphasizing the need for affirmative consent. This shift encourages individuals to actively communicate their desires and boundaries, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and respected, especially during sexual activity. It is important to remember that consent is not necessarily present if the victim is intoxicated, even if they agree to the sexual activity. Also, consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Understanding Enthusiastic Consent:

Enthusiastic consent goes beyond the absence of a “no” and emphasizes the presence of an enthusiastic “yes.” It encourages open communication, active participation, and a genuine desire from all parties involved. Enthusiastic consent may manifest verbally or through nonverbal signals, including positive body language like smiling, sustained eye contact, and nodding. While these cues alone may not conclusively indicate consent, they provide additional insights that could suggest it. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to seek verbal confirmation. The key aspects of consent, whether enthusiastic or otherwise, involve constantly checking in with your partner or partners to ensure that you are both aligned and comfortable with the situation. Recognizing the importance of enthusiastic consent helps create a culture where mutual desire and comfort take precedence over assumptions or societal expectations.

Consent in Different Contexts:

Consent isn’t limited to intimate relationships; it extends to various aspects of life. In healthcare, patients have the right to be informed about their treatment options and give consent before medical procedures while knowing the potential positive and negative outcomes; this is known as informed consent. Within research, obtaining informed consent is a vital aspect of the experiment, particularly in the ethical context, by engaging participants who possess full awareness and comprehension of the potential risks and benefits associated with the research is essential. Additionally, with the rise of data privacy concerns, obtaining user consent has become a critical aspect of ethical business practices in the digital age.

Educating and Empowering:

Promoting a culture of consent requires education and open dialogue. From an early age, individuals should be taught about boundaries, communication skills, and the importance of respecting others’ autonomy. It is also important to educate individuals on the age of consent to sexual activity, which is 16 years old in Canada. However, the age of consent can be higher under certain circumstances. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can empower people to navigate relationships and interactions confidently and respectfully while obtaining consent from individuals who can give it.

The Role of Communication:

Clear and open communication is at the heart of consent. Encouraging individuals to express their desires, set boundaries, and actively listen to their partner(s) contributes to a culture where consent is not just a legal checkbox but a shared understanding that enhances the quality of relationships. Individuals should also make sure that their partner(s) always feel comfortable to give consent by asking them if what they are doing is okay, if they like it, if they feel comfortable, and if they want to keep going. 

What consent sounds like: 

• yes, 

• I like that, 

• keep going, 

• absolutely, 

• I’d like to, 

• I want to keep going, 

• let’s do that more, 

• can you please, 

• I’m enjoying this

What consent does not sound like: 

• no, 

• I don’t like that, 

• stop, 

• maybe, 

• I’m not sure, 

• I’m not ready, 

• I’m not comfortable

Consent emerges as the foundation of healthy relationships and ethical agreements across various aspects of life. The constant conversations surrounding consent highlight the importance of clear communication, enthusiastic agreement, and ongoing dialogue. From intimate relationships to medical procedures and participation in studies, the understanding and practice of consent underscore respect for individual autonomy. The emphasis on enthusiastic consent, defined by affirmative and genuine agreement, signifies a standard shift that encourages open communication and active participation. Education and empowerment, particularly regarding age-specific consent and boundary-setting, are central to creating a culture that prioritizes empathy and mutual understanding. Ultimately, verbal and nonverbal communication plays a central role in the consent narrative, fostering a culture where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to navigate relationships with confidence and respect.

For more information or support, visit the Office of Human Rights and Equity website

• Virginie Frank, Peer Wellness Educator Lead