Teresa S.
Past UVic Student Mental Health Blogger
Hello, readers. My name is Teresa and I am currently in my final year, studying English Literature and Professional Communication at UVic. I have been writing for the blog since 2018 and was formerly a Student Mental Health Leader from 2017-2018.
I was born in Ontario, but for my whole life I have lived in B.C., moving around from the island to the mainland. My roots are planted in Victoria and I have been loving it here ever since I moved in 2016.
My interests include listening to classic rock, reading 17th and 19th-century literature, and writing poetry and prose.
I believe that it is imperative that we, as the UVic community, discuss issues surrounding mental health. As a community we must learn to practice compassion and empathy to all people. I hope through this initiative we can support each other, educate ourselves on better mental health practices and how to avoid stigma.
It is all in us to create, educate, and inspire others. Let’s do it together.
How to Create a Self-Care Toolkit
Dear Readers, Lately, I have been having the need to regroup and collect my emotions throughout the day in the form of self-care. I recently created a toolkit for myself filled with items that have been helping me with my mental health journey this semester. This time...
Establishing Emotional and Physical Boundaries during COVID-19
Hello readers, As the fall term has commenced, many students have flocked back to Victoria to pursue their studies. And, still, many others have decided to stay in their hometowns as for our online semester. Besides the challenges of...
Skin and Self-Care: A Reflection
Dear Readers, I use skincare as a tool to improve my day to day mental health. But how, you may ask, do I do it? Why would I align my mental well-being with an industry that is feeding us the promise of everlasting youth? The beauty industry, as we all...
Four Ways to Recharge During the Winter Break
Hello readers, Many of you are still in the midst of writing exams, and some of you are already enjoying your winter break. Regardless of your schedule, we are very soon approaching a new semester and a new year. As I have been finishing my own exams and final papers,...
Confessions from the Stages of ‘Burnout’
The hiss of falling leaves seemed to mock her as she sat on a shaded bench next to the Quad. She watched their slow descent onto an increasing decaying mount. Her breath catches the air; a gelid space filled with desperation. The evidence of a fast struggle. As she...
Death Before Life: A Conversation with Poet, Tallas Munro
(Photo Copyright: Chris Hawkins)Interview by TeresaFrom the stage to the page, Tallas Munro is a polymath of artistic endeavours. From the Fringe Festival to Phoenix theatre productions, he has become a rising star of the theatre community. The third year Fine Arts...
The Folly of the End of Semester Blues
Dear Readers, I’m certain right about now you’re winding down from fervently studying for midterms, and wondering about the approaching end of this Spring semester. You’ve probably overheard some classmates discussing summer plans filled with travel,...
Why Establishing Healthy Boundaries Saved Me
Dear Readers,Recently, I have been thinking about the concept of boundaries and what it means to establish healthy boundaries with yourself and others. In my own experience, I have always found that it hasn’t always been an easy concept for me to adopt. I have always...
Why Not Being Okay is Okay: Thoughts on Self-Compassion and Understanding
Hey Readers! When it comes to mental health, a lot of the mainstream discourse surrounding the topic will highlight solutions that serve as a “quick fix”. Have you ever seen online articles that suggest self-care practices such as drinking herbal tea or eating comfort...