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The secret life of the Bennett Library Asbestos

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Peak Web
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Anthropomorphic bundle of asbestos with arms crossed and sunglasses
ILLUSTRATION: Emily Xu / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, SFU Student

Hello there, it’s me, the Bennett Library Asbestos — your local campus enemy. I’ve been living on residence since the dawn of SFU’s inception, and let me tell you, what a ride it has been. Most people around here don’t see me as the warm and fuzzy type. I get it — you don’t want me anywhere near you. It’s okay. I know we can’t all be friends. I don’t have many acquaintances, but the hidden critters and I are close buddies. I don’t mind, though, as I like to keep things low-key. You see, I am everywhere without ever being noticed. I reside in the walls and the halls, the ceilings and the floorboards. I roam free without a sound, lingering deep into the night and rising early with the birds each morning. 

It’s quite homey here. Believe me, I’ve stayed around longer than anyone else on this side of town. The library is my stomping ground. It’s quite the happening place, you know? The study rooms are constantly abuzz with late-night research projects, accompanied by a generous serving of exam cramming. I often hear the moan of the printer over-exerting himself. Poor guy gets jammed daily. The fluorescent lights beam bright enough to give the gleaming computer screens a run for their money. The floors are stupendously sticky, and the air openly presents itself as stale and musty. All flaws aside, this is my beautiful, old home — no matter how dark and dreary. 

Until recently, I’ve been doing just fine. It wasn’t until the scary construction crews came barrelling in — knocking down my precious panels and invading my insulation — that I was feverishly exposed. Sure, the humans expected that I was somewhere around here, especially considering my age — gah, I’m old! I didn’t expect that it would happen so soon, though. I figured I had a few more years of living rent-free, but I guess I have to say goodbye to this overpriced market sooner than I please. Man, today’s inflation is greater than the price of my relentless removal — and let me tell you, I cost a pretty penny. 

The drilling sounds of the construction workers destroying my habitat make my head ache with no escape. My particles crumble and cascade as I stumble and stagger in my place. What did I ever do to be expelled from the university? I was a good student — a lifelong learner all these years. The amount of money the admins raked in from my tuition over the years, oh, please! I was the cause of their early retirements. 

Wait a second . . . what is that? My reminiscences are disrupted by a twinge and a tingle.

Ouch, that hurts! I think to myself. 

“Woah, there, buddy!” I yelp through gritted teeth. This human is most certainly not my buddy.

The human startles. “Ah!” he exclaims, as if he’s never heard a talking piece of Asbestos before. “Who’s there?”

“Oh, relax! It’s just me, your Asbestos frenemy.” I retort back. 

The man shakes in disbelief. 

“What exactly do you think you’re doing?” I question.

“It’s time for you to go,” he demands.

“Oh, please, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried!” I state stubbornly.

I put up a feisty fight, swinging in the man’s direction. Surely, I will get my revenge. The man fights back without mercy, but I’m on top of the battle now. He tries stuffing me into a sealed bag — vacuuming the air out of me, suctioning up my particles — but we both know he can’t get rid of me. So, I’ll keep haunting SFU throughout this defeat.

In Case You Missed It: Demon Days by Gorillaz

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Peak Web
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Album cover divided into four squares featuring side portraits of each animated character/persona.
PHOTO: Parlophone UK

By: Hana Hoffman, Peak Associate

I want to bring you back to May 11, 2005, when Gorillaz released their second studio album, Demon Days. This album will take you on a journey to a fictional world that mirrors our own. The world is full of loneliness and depression, while characters search for the hope and positivity this generation lacks according to the songwriter’s point of view. These 15 tracks of futuristic, experimental, and mixed-genre music express the human experience of living in a society that doesn’t necessarily bring out the best in people. 

Gorillaz is a four-piece English band known for their cartoon image in music videos and media. The band’s online presence consists of four virtual characters named 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel — the ones appearing in the music videos, social media posts, and on merch. The only time the real life artists make themselves visible is when they perform, and they have visuals with the cartoon characters on the back screen. In Demon Days, they play around with multiple genres like rock, pop, hip hop, and rap. Combining sounds like funky bass and guitar, and electronic sound effects, they achieve a futuristic vibe away from the norm.

The album’s “Intro” track is full of movement: ambient sirens and repeated voices, representing the formation of the next generation. Or, a new world of depression, loneliness, and uncertainty, followed by the song “Last Living Souls” in which the singer questions if they’re the last people of their generation to feel joy. The song “Kids With Guns” addresses children born and raised romanticizing violence, as the media glamourizes it. The lyrics express the importance of being aware that the upcoming generation could turn into monsters, because pop culture sensationalizes violence.

As the album progresses, we get into the appearance of this new dark place that was once green until human pollution ruined it, forcing us to say goodbye to the old times and hello to the apocalypse. The description of this transformation continues on in the popular song “Feel Good Inc.” which blew up and gained plenty of attention in the music industry. The song even earned a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Many other songs in this album talk about being stuck in this depressed state of mind, where dreams cannot be met and finding hope seems impossible. The songwriter shares what they’re doing to cope with their struggles while being deserted and feeling grief for the world that used to exist.

My favourite song off the album is “All Alone” because it holds a lot of value to me. It points out the internal self doubt we face, and expresses fury towards the world we live in. These days, it seems like people are pressured to be fake to feel more self-worth and have an advantage in society. As the chorus repeats the words “all alone” over and over again, I feel this deeply. I do feel alone in my community, where I’m being my honest self and going through my own struggles that no one else could understand. Even though people around us are often judgemental, the lyrics emphasize the importance of leading life through your own path and accepting obstacles and events as they occur. But that comes with hesitation, and we start asking ourselves questions like: can we really make it to the finish? What kind of hope do I see here right now?

This song also includes some British phrases, reflecting rapper Roots Manuva’s roots, like the line “these airs and all these graces,” which describes the type of people who cover the authentic side of themselves to make them seem more suitable to the public, instead of being their true selves and living the way they naturally desire to. In another quote, “skin of my tooth like, skin of my boot like,” is a reference to an English and British saying that means to barely make it, or in other words, completing an action on thin ice. I feel that, because in some situations I know one slip up could make me fail. The first quote is also something I’ve witnessed all my life going to school, because I’ve often seen people around me trying so hard to make themselves more important by following trends and being someone they’re not.

Here we are 18 years later, and this timeless album still speaks about relevant topics regarding the imperfect realities and struggles of modern life. Go give it a listen!

What Grinds Our Gears: One-uppers

By
Peak Web
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A student giving a presentation, which is on fire
ILLUSTRATION: Alyssa Umbal / The Peak

By: Alex Ileto, SFU Student

POV: You’re enjoying a light-hearted conversation with your friends, talking about little nuances and funny interactions from your day. You mention you didn’t sleep well this morning. Your friends express pity except for that one person — the one person who makes your day so much worse than it has to be. “Try 20 minutes of sleep while your roommate plays Minecraft until 7:00 a.m.!” OKAY. Let me complain in peace! 

The typical one-upper is known to boast their wins and exaggerate their losses to receive as much praise and pity from those listening. 

Did you miss the bus this morning? The one-upper was actually run over by theirs. Did your TA roast you during your presentation? Their  TA actually set them on fire during theirs. Did you struggle with last week’s homework? Well, guess what? Not only did the one-upper’s dog eat their homework, but they also punched them in the face 14 times, cyberbullied them on Reddit, and rizzed up the one-upper’s girlfriend. 

Having a conversation with a one-upper is equivalent to talking to a wall that hates you — they never listen and couldn’t care less about your feelings. So next time you encounter a one-upper, respond with silence and a straight face. Without any praise or pity, they will most likely give up on their need for validation, allowing you to peacefully carry on the conversation without the fear of being one-upped.

Here is this week’s student bulletin!

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Peak Web
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"Student Updates" text in SFU red
You’ve already made it farther through the article than 97% of the student population. ILLUSTRATION: Siloam Yeung / The Peak

By: Hana Hoffman, Peak Associate

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Comfortable 1-bedroom home with shared bunk bed, only 50 kilometres from SFU Burnaby campus, starting at just $1,340 per month (plus utility fees, parking permit, and wifi). Meals are not included, but the location is convenient as there is a McDonald’s about 20 minutes away by bus, and an IHOP about 15 minutes away if you’re a fast runner (and probably like a 25-minute jog on the way back after stuffing yourself with those yummy pancakes). Apply to rent this room today!

THE RATS ARE BACK, PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ALL CAFETERIAS
If you’ve been going to SFU for a while, you may already know there is a recurring rat problem on the Burnaby campus. This happens whenever a new rat is elected for mayor of the rodent municipality, and all the rats in the community want to honour and show respect to the new ruler by giving them plenty of food. This is when they come inside the cafeterias to steal any food they can find and quickly run away before the staff can catch them. As a result, SFU will keep all cafeterias closed this week while Campus Security guards these spaces to ensure that no rats are sneaking in and out.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

PROFESSIONAL PRANK CALLING WORKSHOP
Have you ever considered studying towards a prank call-related occupation when you’re older? If yes, then this workshop is for you! Get hands-on experience with phone calling, using unrecognizable voices, scamming people for money, and impressing your friends with your brilliant skills. This workshop will focus on impersonating famous celebrities, such as Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake, to pretend to sell and ship exclusive merchandise for them. Only 3 spots are left; secure yours today!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU

GET ADVICE ON YOUR PENCIL CASE CONTENT FROM HIGHLY EXPERIENCED EXPERTS
What you carry in your pencil case is the most influential variable of the scientific experiment that is studying at SFU. Learn what colours and types of pens, brands of sticky notes, and energizing snacks to carry around to maximize your success. Academic success always starts from the kind of stationery you use. For example, if you keep using those refillable lead pencils that break every minute, you’ll use up all your spare time looking for more lead and have none left for actually getting your homework done. And, if you don’t use at least 3 different colours in a paragraph, you’ll be so bored out of your mind you’ll never be motivated to read again.
It’s time to sharpen your uni life. Book a consultation today, and get 5% off your next visit!

CALLING ALL DREAMERS, COUCH POTATOES, AND SLEEP ENTHUSIASTS
Executive positions for SFU Napping Club are now available! Send your resume to [email protected] along with your favourite dream/nightmare you had last week and an explanation of why it’s worth sharing. BONUS: Tell us what song you’d choose to be the theme song of your dream if it were a movie. Deadline to apply: Saturday, July 8.

P.S. It’s okay if you don’t get chosen to be an exec; you’re still invited to attend our fun events! Our next social will be a group napping session in SFU’s nap room, so stay tuned!

RESOURCES 
Click on any of these links to help you in the long run!

Relationship advice: How to pick up dates in your major
Finances: How to pay off your student loans
Mental health: How to take control of your day-to-day anxiety
Academic success: How to prepare for midterms in four easy steps

Klondike is an introspective look into the Ukrainian war’s beginning

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Peak Web
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A woman with long hair tied back and a linen neutral colored shirt leans onto a kitchen counter, pensively looking down. The door is open and shows a wide open field outside.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Maryna Er Gorbach

By: Emilio Gutierrez

Content warning: mentions of war.

On February 22, 2014, the Ukrainian parliament voted to remove then-president, Viktor Yanukovych, from office in response to months of Euromaidan protests over government corruption. Not soon after, armed insurgency at the hands of Russian-backed separatists broke out along the Donbas region of Ukraine in retaliation, marking the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

It is in these first few months of the war where we find the Klondike protagonists. Written and directed by Ukrainian filmmaker, Maryna Er Gorbach, Klondike tells the story of a pregnant wife (Oxana Cherkashyna) and her husband (Sergiy Shadrin), Irka and Tolik, struggling to respond to the encroaching presence of the Donbas war in their homeland. 

Seeing its initial release only a month before Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, the film serves less as a direct response to the current Russian escalation and more as a sullen foreshadowing of the preceding years of persisting conflict and pain. Choosing to take on a bottom-up perspective of the conflict, the film places its attention less on the war at-large and more on its characters’ complicated reactions to the anxieties of forceful occupation. It does a great job in showcasing intricate, flawed characters who grapple with the war as much as they do with each other. Both Cherkashyna and Shadrin do a great job as main leads, providing an invaluable service by filling the film’s long, solemn shots with intimate worries and frustrations. 

Although Klondike mainly focuses on interpersonal tensions, the film still feels successful at expressing the foreboding tension of the Donbas war. The shadow of war and separatist rebels creeps in, imposing its presence with firearms and empty promises. The film’s focus lies more on the threat and aftermath of violence rather than the violence itself, allowing the depiction of the war to feel genuine: ambiguous, undefined. However, it doesn’t shy away from violence altogether, and the few sparks of unfeeling brutality provide its share of dread to the environment. The film definitely succeeds at using characters’ interpersonal conflict to reflect tensions in Ukraine during the war. Yaryk (Oleg Scherbina), the brother-in-law from Kyiv, highlights this. His presence in the film becomes a point of contention for Tolik. Through this tension, Er Gorbach explores how even pride can become a source of conflict, and how that conflict is dwarfed by the brutality of the active war. 

Another stand-out highlight of Klondike is its incredibly unique and motivated visual style. Filmed mainly using still-standing long shots dotted with slow pans and zooms, Er Gorbach is able to use the camera to transform the landscape into a particularly cold and stationary one. This stillness, however, is contrasted by the film’s meticulous movement, which is constantly seen in foreground and background, as well as within and outside the frame. This stylistic disparity in between stillness and movement makes shots feel restless and oppressive, removing the power characters tend to have over the camera. Its gorgeous cinematography adds an additional layer of melancholy to the stark visual style with a smooth and balanced colour palette. 

2022 was a year already packed to the brim with incredible films, but Klondike stands out as one of the more visually compelling films I’ve seen. Alongside its sullen yet intricate storytelling and its amazing soundtrack, Klondike certainly ended up being one of 2022’s highlights for me. 

I would not personally describe Klondike as a widely accessible film given its slow and subtle nature. Yet, if that’s something you can come to appreciate, Klondike reveals itself to be a distinctly mesmerizing achievement in both filmmaking and political artistry which will be hard to forget. 

Currently, it’s only available to watch on Ukrainian Netflix, which can be accessed with the help of a VPN. If you don’t have access to a VPN, be sure to follow the film on Instagram @klondike.movie as a wider release has been slated for later this year.

Blue Dot Movement celebrates amended Bill S-5 environmental protection act

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Peak Web
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a deep green forest with a dirt path in the middle
PHOTO: Imat Bagja Gumilar / Unsplash

By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer

On June 13, Bill S-5 was amended from the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 to strengthen environmental protection for a healthier Canada.

The newly passed Bill S-5 will recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations that are at risk to toxic substances by assessing the possible risks associated with these chemicals. The bill’s implementation also builds on the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People that acknowledges the importance of informed consent. It also uses Indigenous knowledge regarding the environment and health protection in future decision making.

The Blue Dot Movement, an environmental law activist group funded through the David Suzuki Foundation, has advocated for Canadian law to recognize the right to a healthy environment and clean air and water. Blue Dot’s advocacy was a key player in Parliament’s passing of Bill S-5. “It’s a terrific day when Canada recognized the right to a healthy environment,” David Boyd, United Nations special rapporteur and Blue Dot movement spokesperson commented.

The goal of the Blue Dot Movement is to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030, and by 2050, to eliminate carbon pollution and establish renewable energy as the country’s primary source of power.

Bill S-5 is not Blue Dot’s first victory; the organization also championed Bill C-226, an act that respects the development of a national strategy to prevent and address environmental racism to advance environmental justice. The Bill was brought to the House of Commons and passed in June 2017.

The foundation aims to bring into mainstream how Canadian laws should continue to protect vulnerable communities and foster a safe and healthy environment. 

The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published by the Government of Canada, includes initiatives like investing $9.1 billion in new investments for a clean future such as “carbon pricing and clean fuels.” These investments will open up more environmentally sustainable jobs for Canadians across the country.

While creating the Emissions Reduction Plan, over 30,000 Canadians, including young people, Indigenous people, business owners, and more, engaged in conversations about how to address climate action, keep life affordable for Canadians, and create jobs that reflect this change. 

Currently, the David Suzuki Foundation is launching its new campaign against the use of natural gas and fracking in BC. To find out more about this petition, readers can visit the Foundation’s website.

I saw you: SFU edition

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Peak Web
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Someone hiding in the SFU avocado/egg using binoculars, acting like a spy.
ILLUSTRATION: Andrea Choi / The Peak

By: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer

Tall athlete at the gym 

You saw me using the bench press and offered to spot me, even though I was with three of my friends. You had a red SFU athletics water bottle, matching backpack, and tracksuit. You said you play football, but every time I check the roster, nothing shows up — and I don’t know why :(. Regardless, I would like to add you to my roster and you could feed me pasta and lobster. Someone help me find this man, please!!!!!!! 
– your gym girlie 

Gorgeous girl at dining commons 

It was 5:36 p.m. I was in line to grab ice cream from the soft serve machine when I saw you and your friends eating dinner. I was absolutely smitten — I couldn’t focus on finishing my meal after seeing you. You were eating spaghetti in a way that made my heart sing. It was love at first sight. When you finished your meal, you and your friends headed back over to UniverCity, where I saw you get into a dark-green 2008 Honda Civic. I dreamed about the fuel efficient adventures we’d have, with my matching dark red Toyota Camry. We’d be like Mario and Luigi. Please call me at [redacted number]!!!
 – person running after your car a couple of nights ago    

Beedie kid on the same flight from NYC 

You were wearing an SFU Beedie hoodie, which immediately caught my eye since I’m in Beedie too. We ended up sitting together on the flight back from New York, and you told me about that internship you were setting yourself up for in finance. We talked all about the stock market on the way back, and you mentioned that your parents have a share in Disney — and I told you that mine do, too! If you’re reading this, I’m still so down to have another coffee chat with you ;). 
– Beedie marketing girl

Attractive bus-runner 

I was taking the 143 up to the Burnaby campus when I saw you trying to push through the crowd of people. You kept screaming that you had class in five minutes, but no one heard you. I admired your determination so much and felt your pain when the doors shut right in your face. If you’re down to get to Burquitlam station a little earlier next week, maybe we can sit on the bus together. 
– girl with the claw clip

Becky from PHIL 240 in 1980 

Becky, if you’re reading this, we were in PHIL 240 together in 1980. I know you had a boyfriend back then, but I’ve loved you ever since. Please break up with him.
– your old study buddy <3

Handsome Scottish stranger with a dapper moustache 

I swear, I’ve never seen someone as attractive as you. I didn’t catch your face, but I noticed that dapper brown moustache of yours. You were wearing a patterned kilt, a matching hat, and a black vest. You were running across Burnaby Mountain, almost as if someone was trying to catch you, so I didn’t ask for your name . . . Then, you disappeared deep into the campus fogg. I hope I get to meet you again someday. 
– a secret admirer

Graduate student with fashion sense  

I was walking past the AQ, fed up with all the commencement buzz, when . . . I saw you. You were wearing a cap and gown (obviously, a graduate), but what stood out most to me was your stunning pink shoes and matching pink pants. Barbie alert!!! Anyways, you blew me away with your pink-on-pink (icon), so if anyone has any idea who this stranger may be, PLEASE inform me ASAP <3.  
– your Ken

Songs to listen to when you’re going through it

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Peak Web
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A collage featuring four album covers for each track listed in the article.
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Cult Records; Columbia Records; Warner Records; Phinisey

By: Isabella Urbani, Staff Writer

 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Cult Records

“When You Were Made” by The Growlers

Best lyric: You were the reason, they stuck around / But you’re old enough now

The vibe: You’re crying, but they’re happy tears 

Genre: Alternative/Indie

I came across this song after I watched Madison Beer put it on the “Playlist of Her Life.” Like Beer, I’m a child of divorce, and while many people have divorced parents, this is the only song I’ve heard dedicated specifically to the topic. “When You Were Made” doesn’t delve into the hardships of a broken relationship, but reassures children of divorce that even if they can’t remember it, there was a time when their parents were a happy couple — when you were born. It was eye-opening to listen to this song at 16–17 years old. My parents were together practically all my life, and then poof, just like that, they weren’t. You start to forget all the good, and just dwell on the bad. But the notion that my existence is proof they were once in love makes me happy. 

Add these to your playlist, too:

 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Columbia Records

“Matilda” by Harry Styles 

Best lyric: You can throw a party full of everyone you know / and not invite your family cause’ they never showed you love / You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up

The vibe: You’re underappreciated and need someone to throw you a line

Genre: Pop/Ballad 

I was convinced this song was written for me when it first came out, and nothing’s changed — I am Matilda. The lyrics are scaringly similar to what my friends tell me after I drunkenly (or maybe not so drunkenly) explain that I’ve been raising my younger siblings since I was nine, and I only stay in my father’s house for them. The story of my life has been being everyone’s everything, but nobody’s anything. And when that’s the way it’s always been, you just assume that’s how it is for everyone. You start feeling guilty and blame yourself for other people’s lack of love or care because it kills you to victimize them. In “Matilda,” Styles is the friend who breaks the tough news: you can’t force your family to love you. 

Add these to your playlist, too:

 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Warner Records

“die first” by Nessa Barrett 

Best lyric: Cause’ I don’t wanna live without you / I don’t wanna ever learn how to fall asleep without you 

The vibe: You’re overcome by love 

Genre: Pop/Alternative/Indie

Oof, morality. If you’re like me, and freak yourself out about dying, remember the alternative is living forever. I don’t think I’d be happy doing that — dragging on through life, getting older. What makes life worth living is the fact you’re on borrowed time. You make do with what you have, for as long as you’ll have it. I’d only wish I could spend that precious time with someone I love so much — I’d rather die than spend a second without them. That’s truly special. 

Add these to your playlist, too:

 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Phinisey

“OH!” by Aqyila 

Best lyric: I heard that hurt people hurt who they love the most / and hearts never break equal I hate that now I know

The vibe: You’re starting to heal

Genre: Pop/Soul/R&B

Unrequited love sucks. Unrequited pain is worse. It took me a long time to realize that it hurt more to hold on to a version of someone than to learn to expect nothing from them. No matter how hard I tried, it was fruitless. I couldn’t change them. They’d never do what I ask of them, even if all I’m asking for is their love. While I was torn in two, they weren’t really phased. I could be crying in my bedroom, and I knew they would be continuing on with their day like nothing ever happened. Because to them, what they said meant nothing to them. It hurts that you’re carrying the burden of their unresolved trauma. And it hurts that no matter what, you still love them. You feel guilty for getting angry at them, and you start to believe that maybe you’re in the wrong. This song perfectly encapsulates the pain of being hurt by someone you love and wondering why they do what they do, and how they have no remorse for doing it. It’s a cold reality. Enough to make you sit back and go, “oh,” when you finally figure it out. 

Add these to your playlist, too:

Opinions in Dialogue: Living with chronic mental illnesses

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Peak Web
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A woman lying in bed
PHOTO: Yuris Alhummaydy

By: Saije Rusimovici and Isabella Urbani, Staff Writers

Mental illness can tear you down. There’s moments when you wonder where the vision of you who wasn’t so impacted by your mind is. At first, mental illness feels manageable. Like it was just a minor character who needed to make an appearance every once and a while to remind people they’re still here. Eventually, it becomes bigger. Mental illness can make you start feeling like the guest. Not every person with a mental illness feels this way. But oftentimes, it’s characterized as such or as being make-believe. This is a no-holds back conversation about living with mental illness from two perspectives.

Saije: It’s one of those days where I just don’t want to think about the fact that I have a mental illness. To be quite honest, sitting down to write this piece makes me feel like I’m going backwards, reliving all the terrible experiences I’ve had because of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Talking about it over and over again makes me feel like I’m not past it, even though I’ve come so far since receiving my diagnosis. But then I remind myself I’m not writing this for me. I share my experiences because I want to educate others about the stigma and show that no matter what your mental health looks like right now, you’re not alone.

Isabella: Therapists tell you to talk or write what you’re feeling, but it’s not that simple. To do that would be to let my thoughts live outside of my mind. And when I do that, I realize how they sound: bizarre and strange. 

I thought my mental illnesses were going to be fixed right away. I would get diagnosed, take pills, and that was that. It’s not that simple. When you have a mental illness, it never really goes away, even on good days. I’m just trying to suppress it. People don’t get that part. They think you’re fine, because some days you feel better. The problem is, even on those good days, I’m still going through my symptoms. It’s not like they completely disappear. When I first started taking my pills for depression and anxiety, I thought I had finally found the cure. Two years later, and now not only do I have depression and anxiety, I’m seeking a psychiatrist to find a diagnosis for what could be bipolar disorder, OCD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Plus, I’m starting a whole new medication altogether. I live with these conditions. They grow and change just like I grow and change. 

Saije: There is no beginning or end to a mental health journey. The phrase, “I have good days and bad days” has never been more true. Sometimes certain life circumstances make living with a mental illness particularly worse than other times. Stressful environments, big life changes, and emotionally-charged encounters are some of the things that over the years I’ve begun to phrase as “flare ups.” I used to be so hard on myself when I had a particularly good week only to end up crying in my bed on a Saturday night. I need to remind myself this doesn’t mean I’m taking a step backwards, but simply navigating the highs and lows of life with a mental illness. 

Isabella: For the longest time, I struggled in silence because that felt easier than letting people into my mind. I didn’t know how to articulate what was going on. I just wished someone could hook me up to a machine and see what was happening and stop it. I’d be more than halfway into a confession to a loved one, and I just couldn’t get the words out. While it’s an illness, because it’s not visible at all times, people don’t really know the true extent of what I’m going through. So, they imagine it. 

Although I had my suspicions, I refused to believe I had ADHD for the last several years because what I saw on social media was not what I was experiencing. I was racing, mentally and physically, throughout my house for the large half of summer two years ago. I couldn’t sleep. I just had to pace the house. Go room to room. Checking the doors. Do it again for extra measure. And then pacing. Even now, I could be ready to go to bed, but my mind isn’t. It won’t stop racing. It’s not like I’m consciously thinking about anything either, it just feels like my brain is rattled back and forth in my mind. 

Saije: The more we normalize the highs and lows of mental health, the more we work towards ending the stigma around mental illness. It’s unfortunate that so many people still do not consider mental health as a real illness. It takes so long for people (myself included) to get access to proper therapy and treatment resources for many reasons. I remember my own doctor telling me that wait lists for counselling services have become so long because so many people are beginning to vocalize their experience with mental health issues. While this is a huge step, the medical system needs to keep up, changing as people begin to seek help for free and accessible resources and treatment. 

Isabella: I’m actually very lucky that I’ve had tremendous medical support. I refused to talk to a doctor for a long time. I didn’t want to have to go through the burden of retelling my story time and time again. I didn’t want to be asked the same questions I didn’t have an answer to. But, I’m one of the lucky few who’s had a relatively pain-free experience. I have a great doctor who shows genuine concern for me, schedules checkups, understands who I am as a person, and is proactive. I’m seeing a psychiatrist soon. My doctor filled out a referral form for me weeks ago, and while it was supposed to take three months, I’m already booked for my first screening. I know it shouldn’t be a luxury, but it is. 

Saije: Sometimes it’s hard not to think about all the things I might have done differently had I not been plagued with intrusive thoughts, worries, and anxiousness that at this point just feels natural to me. Before I began taking proper medication, I thought that this was just the way I would always feel. For me, there are no benefits to being diagnosed with a chronic mental illness. 

Isabella: I never thought a mental illness could be a chronic disease. To me, a chronic disease is something physical that never goes away, but festers, and can flare up, like arthritis. It never occurred to me that a mental illness could meet that definition. But it’s true. This is my brain. I’m battling every single day. I’m battling to complete tasks although they feel pointless. I push down the thought that my friends think I’m too much when we hang out together. I fight to allow myself to brush my teeth and hair, even if my room is in shambles. I lead with emotion.

If I get good news, I’m excited to the point where I’m giddy and bouncing out of my seat all day. And when I’m sad, well, I think you can figure that out. I want mental illness to be treated seriously. It’s debilitating. I’d give up anything to live a day free of my mind. And I want everyone to always take care of themselves. Illness or not. Everyone has mental health. Feed your soul. Do what you need. I used to be able to do what felt like a million different tasks in a day. Now, doing one task takes me hours on end, and I’m exhausted afterwards. But I’m still doing what I set out to do. Little by little. Day by day.

To view a list of mental health resources, please go to the online version of this article. 

Resources:
Battered Women’s Support Services
British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse 
COVID-Conscious Therapist Directory
Foundry BC
Indigenous Support Programs
Health and Counselling for newcomer LGBTQIA+ Refugees
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BC —  Multilingual counselling 
Vancouver Black Therapy Foundation

BC pharmacists offers prescriptions for minor ailments and contraception

By
Peak Web
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0
a blister pack of oral contraceptive against a pink background
PHOTO: Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition / Unsplash

By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer

As of June 1, BC pharmacists can assess and prescribe to patients for 21 minor ailments and contraceptives that initially required a visit to a clinic to receive a prescription. Minor conditions on the list include hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, pink eye, and shingles.  

BC became the first province to offer free prescription contraception for all residents enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) on April 1. PharmaCare covers the total cost of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormone implants, hormone injections, and emergency oral contraception. 

The Peak connected with Dr. Ruth Habte, AccessBC campaign organizer, Obstetrics and Gynaecology resident at UBC, and former pharmacist, to discuss AccessBC’s goals and get more information regarding accessible healthcare in the province.

AccessBC is an organization whose mission is to “remove barriers involving access to prescription contraception.” The group was established in 2017 and engages in advocacy for free contraception. They achieved that mission this April. 

“I think it being in the public sphere that contraception is now available at no cost has certainly brought sexual health care to the forefront of people’s minds,” Dr. Habte said. “I’m finding now that on forums, walking down the street, people [are] just talking about the fact that their contraception is free and that they’re looking at different options that are available to them.” 

The first forms of commercial contraception were invented in the 1950s through the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, who created the first birth control pills. However, the history of contraception can be traced back to Ancient Egypt where Egyptians made birth control, using “honey, acacia leaves and lint to form a cervical cap.” 

Dr. Habte touched on how the stigma of contraception continues today: “Stigma is so ingrained in our society, something that, you know, dates back to when contraception was initially made. Being on the news and being on forums and people kind of talking about this overall has helped to decrease the stigma involved in this.” 

Christine Antler, a pharmacist and region director of pharmacy for Pharmasave West, said during an interview with The Tyee pharmacists “will still do a clinical assessment on all patients” seeking treatment for one of the listed 21 minor ailments covered. Dr. Habte shed some light on what this means: “I think it’s essential that people understand that there’s still, you know, contraindications to certain medications that can be harmful to someone’s health if they take it.” A contraindication can be anything that prevents the use of a certain medication, such as previous health conditions or allergies, with the fear that it can cause adverse effects.

Dr. Habte detailed how some forms of contraception may not be suitable for some patients due to a family history of blood clotting or migraines. She emphasized the importance of speaking with a healthcare professional who understands contraindications and can work with patients to make individual assessments. 

The Peak asked Dr. Habte what the next steps for AccessBC are that will continue to work towards making healthcare more accessible. “There’s still further need for access to birth control. We know that certain groups have reached out to us and said that there’s an unmet need in certain areas.” Dr. Habte also commented that AccessBC hopes to pivot into menstrual products and addressing period poverty, which fits into AccessBC’s campaign of raising awareness and consulting with the government. 

To find a pharmacist near you regarding contraception or one of the 21 minor ailments now available to be prescribed, visit https://www.seeyourpharmacist.ca/.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

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For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society