How to reach out for help at U of G

GRACE MUIR

Starting post-secondary school can be a time of significant change. Whether you're living on your own for the first time, dealing with new roommates, or struggling to find your community, these can be turbulent times for all of us, and some extra support can make a huge difference.

The University of Guelph strives to make this transitional period smoother for everyone by providing an abundance of resources for students to access throughout the year.

Counselling Services offer a variety of judgment-free options, including individual and group therapy. When booking an appointment, you can expect to meet briefly with a student wellness navigator who will discuss all your support options as well as get to know your needs better.

Appointments are available through video call or regular phone calls and are completely confidential unless you or the people around you are at immediate risk of harm. Counsellors are here for you to discuss anything at all. Students often seek out help to deal with loneliness, anxiety, depression, as well as trauma and grief. However, campus counsellors are fully prepared to support you in any way you may need.

As well, we provide a number of therapy groups on campus to help out peers and make connections with those facing similar challenges. Though groups offered change every year, a few have been run in the past including support groups for depression and anxiety, disordered eating groups, men's groups, building healthy relationships, and creating space for grief. Groups are typically around 90 minutes per session and in-person, though an online alternative may be supported.

To book a meeting with a navigator and begin to discuss your needs, wellness services can be contacted at the number 519-824-4120 and the extension 53244. If you are in immediate need of help and cannot wait for the next available appointment, drop-in appointments are available on a first come first serve basis. From 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. every Monday to Friday you will be able to meet with a counsellor one-on-one for a 30-minute appointment.

The University of Guelph is dedicated to ensuring you have support no matter what, which is why the sexual and gender-based violence support team can be accessed without making any sort of report or disclosure. Through this service, students are given access to academic accommodations, referrals to medical professionals, safety planning, and any additional support you may express a need for.

The team strives to provide "education and support that [is] trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, survivor-centric, and rooted in harm-reduction philosophies" according to Student Wellness. Their focus is on helping survivors begin to heal and giving them the shoulder they need during difficult times, whatever that may mean to each individual. The sexual and gender-based violence support coordinator can be reached at the email svinfo@uguelph.ca for those wishing to refer themselves or someone they care about.

Those in need of academic accommodations due to their mental health may also find help in the form of student accessibility services, SAS. SAS is a program designed to break down barriers in the classroom and give you the support you need to complete your courses to the best of your ability. Anyone experiencing a disadvantage or interruption in their academic lives, such as hearing or visual impairments, chronic medical conditions, or mental health conditions can access SAS. By filling out the new student form on Guelph Student Wellness’s webpage, you will be given an advisor who understands your needs and will advocate for you in the classroom.

Overall, the University of Guelph has a multitude of resources available for all students to take advantage of. Whether you need academic support, a group of peers who understand what you’re going through, or professional one-on-one support, you are cared for at U of G.

The university has a variety of options for people looking to get assistance with mental health from individual and group sessions, to specialized support for victims of abuse. CREDIT:PEXELS

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