‘Take all the help you can get!’

Since the divorce, Susan has had no more contact with her father. She’s angry with him. ‘I also have three younger brothers. We felt so powerless when they were arguing. I was already living independently and if I went home at the weekend, I heard everything that had happened and my mother would talk endlessly about how she was feeling.’ Susan’s grandma and grandpa also died during that time. ‘Together with my aunt, they were the only family in the neighbourhood.’

Susan’s study is suffering under all the stress. When her school coordinator asks how things are going, she answers: ‘bad’. And then Zuyd’s safety net comes into play. The coordinator advised her to visit student psychologist, Michêlle Lacroix. ‘Because Michêlle is also my mentor, she advised me to talk with one of the other student psychologists.’ That’s how Susan ended up with Marcel Bellefroid. ‘He always has handy tips. For instance, if my mother starts pouring her heart out again, Marcel taught me to say: ‘Oh mum, I’m really not the person you should be saying this to.’ Because I worry a lot, I sleep badly. Until Marcel told me about an app about mindfulness. When I listen to that, I just fall straight asleep. Marcel also said that problems disappear for a while if you play music. And that’s true. I play violin and I sing really loudly in the car along to the radio. That really helps!’

In the meantime, the situation at home got worse. Last summer, her brother (15) got involved in drugs and wanted to end his life. ‘I try to be there for him by doing nice things together. He also sometimes asks for money. I find that difficult. I don’t want to say ‘no’ but I also don’t want to give him money for drugs. Marcel suggested that I could also give a gift token, which I thought was ideal.’

It’s these handy tips that help Susan keep her head above water. She’d like every student with problems to have such support and someone to trust. ‘Of course the step toward a psychologist is high. But once you’re there, you won’t be sorry. Just think: “Who cares?” Take care of yourself. Take all the help you can get. It’s free. You get six sessions, plus an introductory interview. If you have problems, just tell someone. There is always a solution. Especially at Zuyd. It’s so small that everyone knows each other. At Speech and Language Therapy, there’s a real close connection with all the lecturers. I already notice that I’m getting stronger. Thanks to Marcel.’