Taking care of U can be tough, Healthy U is here to help
Maintaining our mental wellbeing is no easy task and sometimes we just need someone to talk to. However, even when we want to talk things through, it can be confusing or even intimidating finding where to reach out. For any students seeking support or just a listening ear, consider reaching out to Healthy U. “One of the unique aspects of Healthy U is its peer educators—students just like you—who create a nonjudgmental and pressure-free space for meaningful conversations,” explains Ashley Anderson, Student Wellness Program Assistant.
“Our role is to provide support to students in whatever capacity they desire, whether it be a listening ear, an educated recommendation, or guiding you to the right resources!” – Theo Hart
Healthy U peer educators can provide a space to talk through many of the challenges that students face. One of the peer educators, Jayanti Monga, identified that “Some main concerns that students can discuss with [us] are academic stress (e.g., overwhelmed by coursework, work/life balance), resource management (i.e., where to go and what to do for certain concerns), overall wellbeing needs (e.g., academic guilt, burnout, balance, physical/mental health). For the most part, our HU program offers listening ears to those who need to speak with someone – sometimes, all someone needs to resolve something is to talk it out with an impartial person.” Further, peer educator Nicole Alcasid explained that “Healthy U volunteers provide peer support to students about a wide range of health topics—this can look like a lot of things! I’ve talked to students about how to cope with exam stress, how to navigate relationships (familial and romantic), and ultimately, how to balance your “student” identity with all the other roles and responsibilities you may have.”
Alcasid also shared that, “In our one-one meetings, I’d love to emphasize that, while Healthy U volunteers do our best to offer students informational strategies and resources to help them with their current situation, we are also here to listen—simple as that! If you need a listening ear or need some help reflecting upon a wellness-related topic, Healthy U volunteers are here for you.”
Among the many topics that Healthy U peer educators are available to discuss, they are trained to provide support relating to sexual health including answering any questions students might have about STI’s and safer sex supplies. Don’t hesitate to reach out regarding these or other questions you have.
Whether you would like to learn more about wellness, would like to know more about the resources available or are perhaps currently struggling and need support, Healthy U is here to help. Peer educator, Theo Hart, wants all students to know: “Our role is to provide support to students in whatever capacity they desire, whether it be a listening ear, an educated recommendation, or guiding you to the right resources! Our extensive training allows us to assist students through problems and provide them with the tools to better support themselves. An appointment with a Healthy U volunteer is a convenient balance between speaking to a friend and seeing a mental health professional. We provide care for less severe issues than a mental health professional, with far more education and resources than your friend! If we’re unable to provide care for an issue, we’ll help you find someone who can; you’ll never be expected to simply figure it out on your own!”
Though the Healthy U peer educators are highly trained and ready to help, it is important to note that they do not handle cases of crisis, post-traumatic stress, attention deficit disorder, depression, trauma, suicide, or self harm. If any student is in need of support in these areas, they can consult directly with the Student Counselling Centre. Staff and volunteers at the Student Wellness Centre and Healthy U can also provide further information about the Student Counselling Centre and other similar resources.
For any students looking to get in touch or learn more, Healthy U peer educators can be found at the Student Wellness Centre in 162 Extended Education Complex on the Fort Garry Campus or through the Healthy U website or email healthandwellness[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.