How to keep your mental health in check

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Written by Yasmine (3rd Year, TMM), Magda (2nd Year HSS) and Caleb (2nd Year HSS) from HP's Mental Health Team

The current pandemic has definitely affected us and our mental health. It brought on a lot of stress; namely the stress that comes from adapting to this new virtual world and from living with a lot of uncertainties. For many of us students, there’s a bigger workload and we may lack the social support we usually get. All of this can take a toll on our mental health, which is why it’s especially important, now more than ever, to take care of it! Here are ways on how to keep your mental health in check, how to check in on others, and where to find resources when you need them.

How to keep your mental health in check 

To keep ourselves in check with our mental health, I think first we need to have a sense of self-awareness. To know when it’s going well and when it’s going not so well. It’s important to check in with ourselves every couple of hours to help identify if there are any needs that are missing. If you find this difficult, there are some ways you can improve your sense of self-awareness. For example, you can keep a journal of your feelings. Reflecting regularly on how you’ve been will allow you to improve this skill. In a similar fashion, meditation is all about observing your thoughts and feelings, so it can also help you become more self-aware. Talking about your feelings can also be very helpful, to a loved one or even your pet!

How can you reach out to someone you’re worried about?

If you’re worried about a friend, family member, or anyone experiencing problems with their mental health, you may be wondering how to reach out. When someone is experiencing a mental health problem, they may be feeling alone, so supporting them in any way you can is very important. There are many ways to start a conversation about mental health. If you’re concerned about someone, tell them.

Let them know of what changes you’ve noticed and ask them what’s going on without making any assumptions. 

Ways to start a conversation and questions you can ask:
  • “I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.”
  • “How can I best support you right now?”
  • “Have you thought about getting help?”
One of the most meaningful things you can do is connect them with other services and resources you know of in order for them to get the help they need. For example, if someone told you they are struggling to concentrate at school, you may suggest they talk to a school counselor or teacher.

How can you get mental health help?

There are so many things you can do and try out to manage and improve your wellness and mental health. But at times those aren't enough and that’s okay! There is absolutely no shame in reaching out and asking for the help you are very well entitled to. Keep in mind that when you do come to that decision, there will always be an arsenal of resources at your disposal when you do come to that decision.

If you require immediate help, that does not require a call to 9-1-1, reach out to a Crisis Helpline right away! Here are some good ones: 

  • Good2Talk
    • 1-866-925-5454 
    • 24/7/365
    • Post-secondary student helpline
    • Bilingual 
  • Crisis Text Line
    • Text HOME to 686868 from anywhere in Canada
    • 24/7
    • For French, text PARLER to the same number
  • Crisis Services Canada
    • Call 1-833-456-4566
      • 24/7 Bilingual
    • Text 45645
      • Between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m. ET, English only

If you need someone to simply listen and converse with chat with a peer expert or a mentor on whichever platform you prefer, whether that be virtually or through a chat. Here you will easily find the diverse services relating to wellness that over live chats.  

If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not you need professional help reach out to a counselor! It’s extremely easy by the click of a button. Counsellors can help you if you’re going through difficult times, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if you’re concerned about your mental health.

If you are looking for specialized mental health care you can BOOK NOW. Rest assured your UOSO Student Care Health plan will reimburse a grand majority of your session throughout an entire year.