Take time for a fall mental health check-in

How are you feeling? Whether you’re returning to university life or experiencing it for the first time, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at this time of year. The weather is changing, finals are fast approaching and the school year will only continue to get busier. You are not alone if you’re feeling increased levels of stress and anxiety.

It’s important to be kind to yourself and be patient at this time of year. Check in with yourself and remember that there are plenty of resources and supports available to you. Help-seeking behaviour is important to add to your skillset, regardless of what you need and your level of need.

CRISIS SUPPORTS

If you’re in distress and feel like you need to speak to someone urgently, please connect with one of these options:

Off Campus:

Students needing emergency/crisis support outside of business hours are encouraged to use one of the crisis services accessible 24 hours a day that are listed below:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
• Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7): 1-877-435-7170
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
• Canada Suicide Hotline (24/7): 1-833-456-4566
• Mobile Crisis Service: 204-940-1781
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness (24/7): Services available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, French and English at 1-855-242-3310
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-292-7565
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

On Campus:

• The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers same-day, brief crisis and emergency services to students in very high distress. Call 204-474-8592 or drop in at the SCC’s office at 474 UMSU University Centre on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM to discuss your situation and learn about their services.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

If you’re looking for mental health support:

• The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers individual counselling services, workshops and groups, and provides other mental support resources depending on the services that will best meet your needs. Students are welcome to drop by the office to ask questions and learn about options for support. All services are confidential and free for students to access.
• Student Services at Bannatyne Campus (SSBC) also offers free and confidential services for students or residents of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. These include individual counselling and mental health supports, as well as referrals as needed. Contact 204-272-3190 or email BCSS [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to connect with their office.
• Healthy U is a peer support service powered by student volunteers who are certified student health educators. They provide mental health, sexual health and overall wellness education. You can find the Healthy U crew in the new Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education) which is open on a drop-in basis for students to consult with health and wellness professionals and trained peer educators on a variety of health and wellness topics.
• Students covered by UMSU’s Enhanced Care or Basic Care Health Plan have access to Empower Me, a confidential mental health and wellness service for 24/7 support and immediate access to clinicians for crisis situations. The platform allows students to choose the level of support that is best for them at any time.

These are a small sample of the resources available to students within UM and in the community. 211 Manitoba provides more information on health and social services throughout the province. Students can also connect with the Rainbow Resource Centre for support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Women’s Health Clinic, Men’s Resource Centre of Manitoba (204-415-6797), and other community resources. Additionally, the SCC can help refer students to other community resources when needed.

OTHER PERSONAL AND CULTURAL SUPPORTS

Depending on what health and wellness service you’re looking for, UM has support available through a number of offices:

• University Health Service has a clinic on each campus, offering patient-centred primary care including the vaccines you need. Book an appointment, in-person or virtual, by calling 204-474-8411.
• Student Wellness is staffed by a diverse community of wellness professionals, student staff, and volunteers. This office can offer one to one support and connections to other available resources.
• Students are encouraged to visit Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge at 114 Sidney Smith St. on the Fort Garry Campus. It’s home to the Indigenous Student Centre advisors and Elders-in-Residence. Other student support providers spend dedicated time on location weekly. Cultural gatherings occur weekly, such as Sharing Circles, Fireside Chats, and so on. Indigenous students can access support from the Indigenous Student Centre by contacting 204-474-8850 or contacting isc[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.
• The International Centre can provide international students with help and support in all areas. Book an appointment with an International Student Advisor by calling 204-474-8501. Limited drop-in appointments may also be available in their office at 541 UMSU University Centre.
• The Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre offers one-on-one support to assist students of all beliefs and worldviews. They connect students with relevant resources and faith groups on and off campus that offer programming related to spiritual wellness and cultural humility through inter-faith engagement. Contact spiritualcare[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or 204-474-8721 to discuss your options.
• Student Accessibility Services is available to provide supports for students with disabilities and to foster academic success. If you require academic accommodations or accessibility supports, contact an accessibility coordinator at student_accessibility[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or at 204-474-7423.
• The Sexual Violence Resource Centre provides trauma-informed and survivor-centered support, resources and referral services for members of the UM community who have been affected by sexual violence in any capacity. Students are encouraged to contact svrc[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or 204-474-6562 for support.
• Recreation Services will help you stay active and keep moving, which is even more beneficial to mental health during busy times. A diverse selection of programs and services are being offered on both campuses, as well as virtual options. Those who are unfamiliar with UM’s sport and recreation facilities are welcome to book a tour.
• Connection Desk strives to be a one-stop-shop for the University of Manitoba community. We can help with general questions about UM – services and support offices, opportunities for students, event details, and more. Our team will make sure to connect you to the right place to get the answers you need about unique concerns. Stop by on the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre, across from the UM Bookstore and Starbucks.

Support for your mental health and wellness is available. If you’re feeling alone, know that there is a whole community of people around you who want to help and see you thrive. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

UM Today Staff