First year is a hectic time: There are so many transitions to navigate. Many people in their first year are experiencing many other firsts, too: First time living away from home, first time having to make your own schedule and be autonomously responsible for yourself, first time in this city, first time at a new school…. etc.

There’s lot of learning going on that has nothing to do with your classes, and this can be stressful. What’s important to remember is that you’re not alone, and there are resources on campus to help you.

It’s second semester now, and you may have discovered these already. If not, it’s never too late to check out and take advantage of the mental health resources available to you.

Here’s a small (and in no way comprehensive) list of a few of them: 

1. Counselling Services

This may seem like an obvious one, but the reality is too few people take advantage of counselling services (bonus: they’re free). Counselling services is located upstairs in the University Center Building, above Mystic Market. All of the services start with a walk-in appointment: Just show up during an intake time. To read more about making an appointment, click here. Counselling services also offers other group services and great workshops. Check out their website homepage here.

2. Health Services

If you’re unsure about where to go, health services is a great place to start. A general practitioner can put you in touch with a variety of other resources, like psychiatrists or psychologists on campus (or whatever you need), and/or help you directly. Health Services is located right behind res at the Jack Peterson Health Center. You can make an appointment in-person, or call. If it is urgent, you can ask to speak to a nurse right away over the phone, or get a rapid- access appointment at the clinic. To visit Health Services’ mental health website and get more information, click here. For contact information and maps, click click here.

3. Your CL 

If you live in res, don’t forget that your community leader is there to help you. CLs provide a safe space to talk, and can help you in a crisis. They can also help direct you to other places on campus to get help!

If you have any questions about life on res or about getting in touch with your CL, you can email reslife@uvic.ca.

4) Multifaith Services

Multifaith services offers spiritual guidance, support, and programs for all students. (And great free events all the time, like meditation and a weekly pet cafe!) They also offer services for a multitude of religious denominations. Multifaith Services is located in the Interfaith Chapel, which is next to Finnerty Gardens. For more information, click here.

5) For Support Related to Sexualized Violence: The UVic Equity and Human Rights Office, and the Anti Violence Project 

This is a vast topic, and I’m barely touching on it here. UVic’s Equity and Human Rights Office is the place to go for questions or regarding any circumstances surrounding sexualized violence. You can make a disclosure/report, or have any questions answered through their intake phone. You can also speak to their Case Manager Assistant, Bette Cameron, for any type of inquiry or issue, or to make an appointment.

The Anti-Violence Project is another great resource to access. This is a student-led initiative on campus that offers support, educational workshops, and more.

Remember, these resources are here for you, and whatever you need/ ask for. For additional support, information, and more related to sexualized violence and misconduct,  click here. 

Equity and Human Rights Office Contact:

Phone:

  • for disclosures and reports or questions about the policy, call 250-721-8021
  • For appointments on any matter at all, phone Bette Cameron at 250-721-8786

Email:

AVP Contact:

6) The Uvic Office of Student Life

The office of student life directly supports the Student Mental Health Strategy and coordinates a variety of programs related to it, like the Student Mental Health Leadership Program. In addition to running this blog, they have a great Facebook page which you can follow to keep updated on campus events and other initiatives. To learn more about them or get involved, click here.

7)   The UVic Mental Health Website

UVic has a great and more comprehensive list of resources and tools that students have access to which can help in all facets of well-being, plus great resources for minorities. To visit the mental health page hosted by UVic, as well as find other resources on campus, click here.

Did you learn anything new about the resources you have access to?

Next time you’re feeling stressed or need help with your mental health, don’t forget that there are many places to go that will support you. 

– Annie

 

*Note: Counselling services recommends these hotlines for after- hours support or emergency help:

  • Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888
  • Youthspace.ca online text and chat, 6pm-midnight
  • UVic Campus Security: 250-721-7599
  • Ambulance, Fire, Police: 9-1-1

The views expressed in this blog are my own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the University of Victoria. I monitor posts and comments to ensure all content complies with the University of Victoria Guidelines on Blogging.