UM’s Student Counselling Centre encourages students to reach out for support
2021-22 has been a very unusual year for everyone around the world and at the University of Manitoba, especially for students.
It is therefore not surprising to hear stories of exhaustion, worry and struggle from students. The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) encourages you to be kind to yourself if you’re having difficulty and to reach out to someone for support. You get to decide who that is: a trusted friend or family member, a pastor, mentor, Elder, professor or instructor, or one of the many people available to you at UM including counsellors.
REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT
The SCC offers free and confidential support services remotely (by telephone or secure video link) and students can learn more about what is available by calling them at 204-474-8592 or checking their website.
SCC services include:
- Daily workshops on a variety of topics including how to manage stress and distress, mindful meditation, and communication and conflict – workshops are the quickest way to access support
- Counselling groups for an in-depth focus on a variety of topics including anxiety and relationships
- Single Session Therapy (SST) – a new service to be introduced in mid-February where students can attend a longer, one-time appointment to address a specific difficulty such as presentation or exam anxiety, managing after being accused of academic misconduct, or relationship break-up
- Ongoing individual counselling – connect to make an initial intake appointment to discuss your needs
MAKE PEACE WITH UNCERTAINTY
Remind yourself that you have managed and carried on through uncertainty before. For example, you’ve made it through every time you weren’t certain of the content being tested on an exam. We tend to remember uncertainty when it didn’t work out well; try to remember when uncertainty did work out well for you.
Additionally, not everything around you is uncertain – look for aspects that you can control and focus your energy on them.
FOCUS ON TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
You’ve gotten through every hardship in your life before, and you’ll get through this one as well. Instead of focusing on what UM is doing to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, try to focus your attention on yourself and what you need to do to take care of yourself. Here are 14 ways to combat stress during tough times.
LIMIT YOUR INFORMATION INTAKE
Be careful of information overload. Limit the time you spend looking to see what UM will decide for in-person remote studies. Too many updates about the pandemic plans can become overwhelming. Consider checking in only once or twice a day or wait until you see an email to learn about developments. Even for those who like to follow the news, it can all become too much.
Similarly, be careful of misinformation. Rumours abound about what will happen or not. Verify rumours by seeking reputable sources or directly checking yourself. Many supports remain available, including resources that remain committed to helping you with academic success.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT BANNATYNE CAMPUS
Student Services at Bannatyne campus (SSBC) meets directly with students and residents in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. They develop individualized plans for students to connect with supports and provide referrals to both on and off-campus resources. Their mandate is to enhance personal wellness and academic success. In addition to one-on-one appointments, learners are eligible to access groups, workshops, and self-directed programs based on their individual needs. All services are free, confidential, and private. SSBC is administratively separate and distinct from all academic programs. Call (204) 272-3190 or email BCSS [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to make an appointment today.