U of M completes new ‘crying room’ as part of mental health initiative

I. B. Lyan, staff

The U of M has constructed a new “crying room” as a part of its ongoing efforts to support student mental health.

The new space features 20 partitioned “breakdown spaces” where students can just let it all out.” Each space is equipped with a chair, a top-ten-style list of self-care tips and a mirror with a smiley face sticker affixed to it to lighten the mood. Two single-ply tissues are provided for each occupant.

Additionally, each area contains motivational posters featuring images of nature, attractive people being happy and upbeat phrases such as “cheer up! Turn that frown upside down” and “could be worse!”

U of M president Ralph Randolph described the new mental health initiative as “an important service that students need.”

“We know that a lot of students are going through difficult times, and that’s why we felt it was so important to have a space where we could send them so that we don’t have to see it,” he said.

“It really ruins the vibe we’re trying to go for.”

Randolph said that he hopes the new room inspires students to do more for their mental health on their own.

“I know it may seem like a lot, hav- ing to balance the demanding workload of being a full-time student while also working full time to afford basic necessities, rent and all those tuition increases we’ve implemented over the years,” he said.

“I just hope the crying room and the emails we send out with self-help tips will allow students to realize that taking time for themselves, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and doing errands and housework while studying and working full-time isn’t that hard if you just keep your head up and smile.”

President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Association Don Buchanan said that he believes the new facility is critical to student well-being.

“I think it is so, so, so important that we create a safe space for students,” he said.

“It is absolutely crucial that students in these safe places feel safe in these safe spaces.”

Unfortunately, some students have already encountered difficulties when trying to access the crying room. According to U of M third-year biology student Notta Reelnaym, there is already a three-week waiting list just to get into a breakdown space.

“Considering that it’s either waiting forever to get into the crying room or waiting forever to get into counselling, I guess it’s better than nothing,” Reelnaym said.