Mental health in an age of social isolation - the importance of remaining connected

Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Usually, the MacEwan Griffins' tangible contribution to Bell Let's Talk Day as part of MacEwan Mental Health Week is seen in a collage of positive and supportive messages covering a glass wall on the walkway between the gym and pool in the Christenson Centre for Sport and Wellness.

This obviously isn't a usual year.

That doesn't mean the initiative is any less important; in fact, the issue of mental health perhaps takes on even greater meaning in the midst of the COVID pandemic that has resulted in almost unprecedented societal isolation.

"Obviously, the pandemic's been hard on everyone's mental state," said MacEwan Griffins' Student Athlete Council president Natalie Bender. "I think for myself, it's just keeping in touch with friends and family. My friend gave me a random phone call the other day and we talked for a few hours. That boosts your spirits."

With Bell Let's Talk Day set for Jan. 28, the Griffins are partnering with the larger MacEwan University community in taking the conversation online.

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"Usually, we have a desk set up in one of the halls and people can come and write on the Bell Let's Talk bubble," said Bender. "This year we're doing a virtual version of that with activities and resources.

"There are still ways people can get involved and find support if they need, but it will just be done a little bit differently."

Bender, in her fourth season as a goaltender with the Griffins women's hockey team, is taking on a leadership role as SAC president in an abnormal year with no competition due to the pandemic. She's done her best to help keep athletes connected even though meetings, team bonding and even training – especially lately with Alberta under increased lockdown measures – have been conducted in a virtual environment.

It's been an adjustment for everyone mentally.

"I know myself and a lot of friends on the team, all of our lives we've been going 100 miles an hour," said Bender. "We're always busy. In a regular year, we're used to going six days a week, seeing each other every day. I think it's a case where you don't realize what you had until it's gone. I think that's definitely been hard on people.

"I think this gives us a chance to check up on one another and keep each other accountable in these times so when we do get back to it, we can appreciate it and still know we were connected and working hard. It's definitely not easy, but I think it's important to keep in touch and make the best of every situation."

Bender notes her own mental health has been impacted positively through walks, home fitness and staying connected with others via group women's hockey chats, a team Christmas video call and online group workouts.

"I think in a year like this year, it's more important than ever that people are checking up on each other and staying in contact in whatever way that may be, and getting out and getting active so you can feel better," she said. "When you get in those states where you're just sitting around and you get in your own head, it can be hard on a person.

 "Have your down moments when you need to have them, but find ways that can make you happy and make others happy, and make you feel good."