Tuning into mental health: The Student Wellness Project podcast

In a time when students are facing stress not only from academic obligations but also the limiting restrictions put in place to head off COVID-19, mental health resources are needed more than ever. With the hope of helping students improve their mental health with simple and affordable techniques and practices, fourth-year creative industries student Marie-Blanche Bertrand created The Student Wellness Project (external link, opens in new window) , a podcast focused on supporting student mental health and wellbeing. 

The Student Wellness Project is a passion project that was launched as part of the course requirements for ZON 100 (opens in new window) : Zone Learning, and debuted its first episode in November, with two more following shortly thereafter. The topics range from time management to mindfulness and burnout, with each episode featuring either a student guest or mental health professional who speaks to a specific wellness topic.  

Marie Blanche found that one thing in particular helped her during her academic career: positive psychology. She says learning about this helped her understand how to be happier, leading her to share these tips with other students through her podcast.

“You don’t need to have depression or anxiety to want to do better. There are tons of really cool findings that can help you lead a less stressful and meaningful life. I want to share the ones that helped me most,” she said.

Free time, money and resources are limited when you’re a student. With this in mind, Marie-Blanche chooses to focus on simple, efficient and affordable practices to achieve better mental health. 

As the Zone Learning course instructor, JP Silva (opens in new window)  guides students through their projects and is heavily invested in seeing them succeed. He has seen The Student Wellness Project grow and says that he hopes students will appreciate that the podcast is created for students, by a student.

“Marie-Blanche is indeed wholeheartedly committed to supporting students to find simple and affordable ways to improve their mental health, and as she says in the intro to her podcast, not only survive the semester but actually thrive,” he said. “I also hope students know that they can similarly start their own personal passion projects while they are pursuing their studies, and have them become as meaningful and impactful as The Student Wellness Project.”

Turning passions into reality

As part of Zone Learning, Bertrand is able to work with and receive advice from industry professionals as well as learn the skills needed to plan, produce and execute a podcast. She is also gaining academic credit that will be counted towards her degree. 

Listen to The Student Wellness Project here (external link, opens in new window)  and keep up with their latest announcements on social media. (external link, opens in new window) 

The Creative School at Ryerson University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.