It’s been a challenging several weeks. How are you coping?
This week (May 4-10) marks the Canadian Mental Health Association’s annual Mental Health Week. While our mental health is important every day, it is especially important to be vigilant right now, while we’re experiencing this new and unexpected way of living.
This current situation can be unsettling and cause a sense of loss of control. It is completely normal if you feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, and/or worried. This is an experience most of us have never gone through before. Self-care is perhaps even more critical now than ever.
While there is no one right way to take care of your mental health during a crisis, the following tips might help:
- limit the time you spend on social media or consuming news stories – and seek credible information (there is a LOT of misinformation being circulated. Fact checking is important)
- eat healthily
- stay active
- get enough sleep
- reach out to friends and family through video chats, or phone calls
- practice relaxation, mindfulness or meditation
- be kind to yourself
And please do not hestitate to reach out. We are here to help.
If you’re a current student, you have access to a member of the Counselling and Wellness team for virtual appointments. Book an appointment online.
The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has also launched Here2Talk, a free single-session service available to students by app, phone, or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chat sessions with a trained counsellor can be accessed by downloading the Here2Talk app or visiting: here2talk.ca Students can speak to a counsellor by phone, toll free at 1-877-857-3397 or direct 604-642-5212. Students calling from outside Canada can dial 1-604-642-5212 (international calling charges may apply).
If you are no longer a student at the College, there are many community supports also available. You can find a list of resources for both students and non-students on our website.
While it is important to take care of your own wellbeing, remember to also check in with your friends, family, and neighbours – creatively, while respecting social distancing guidelines. They may be struggling too.
We will get through this together.
Stay safe.