Mental health

Your self care can... be super unique. I’ve found that taking care of plants and [listening to] music are very soothing for me ... but you can (and maybe should) do something totally different.

— EMILY GUBSKI

Going to university right after a pandemic might prompt some difficult questions: What if I struggle to make friends? Will I be overwhelmed by the switch back to in-person learning? How do people even talk in real life now? However, you are definitely not alone, so here are some strategies that can help you maintain a healthy mindset.

WORK ON PREVENTION If you have a history with mental illness, try to identify common triggers or risk factors and reduce your exposure to them as much as possible. Say no to events that may heighten anxious feelings or remind you of traumatizing experiences. Although university is a great place to get out of your comfort zone, your mental health will always be more important.

PREPARE FOR RAINY DAYS Have a plan for how you would cope in times of stress, especially before exam season. Make sure that your coping mechanisms are sustainable and realistic — not everyone can meditate or go for a run on their bad days — so maybe schedule in some casual self-care or ask a friend to check in on you ahead of time. Do what works for you! GO EASY ON YOURSELF Resist the urge to allow academic pressures to take precedence over your well-being. Although grades may seem like the most important thing in the world at the moment, remind yourself that classes can be retaken or dropped, but your health is permanent.

REACH OUT Sometimes it may feel like no matter what you do, you are still stuck in the same toxic thought patterns. Don’t blame yourself for not being able to feel better. Instead, reach out to someone you know or use one of the following resources. There is no shame in asking for help — that’s what it’s there for.

• Make an appointment with a counsellor or wellness advisor by calling 604.822.3811. • Access confidential support through AMS Peer Support. • See a licensed psychologist (this is partially covered under your AMS/ GSS Health and Dental Plan). • Call the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line at 1.855.242.3310. • Call the BC Crisis Centre at 1.800.784.2433. U