(Zacharie Poulin/ Ottawa Citizen) — Everyone told me these would be the best days of my life. I’m 18, finishing college and the world around me seems to be imploding. I haven’t had COVID-19, I have a job and I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
But my entire college experience is a Zoom room with screens off. I’ve met only one professor in person for my sole in-person class. A few of my classmates met in a city park once, socially distanced. It was awkward. I haven’t ever been to the campus gym or pub. I haven’t joined a club or benefited from any campus services.
These are the best years of my life?
I am in my second year studying social work. I’ve learned a lot about mental health, but I’m shocked at the numbers related to men’s mental health. The issue is significant, and the stigma remains strong. There is a lack of much-needed conversation. (…)