Wellness (BC)
Your wellness matters. Mental health, physical health, and accessibility support are available. Seeking help is normal and important - you don't have to struggle alone.
đWhat "Wellness" Means
Wellness includes your mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. It's normal to experience stress, anxiety, or challenges while studying. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many students use wellness services - you're not alone.
What to Do Now:
- âRecognize that struggling is normal - many students experience stress, anxiety, or depression
- âKnow that seeking help is a positive step, not a sign of failure
- âWellness services are confidential - your information is protected
- âSupport is available both on-campus and through BC-wide services
- âYou can access services even if you're not in crisis - prevention is important
đ§ Mental Health Supports
Mental health support is available through your school's counseling services and BC-wide resources. Services are confidential, and many are free for students. You don't need to be in crisis to access help.
What to Do Now:
- âCheck your school's Counseling or Wellness Centre - many offer free sessions for students
- âBook an appointment early - waitlists can be long, but many schools have same-day crisis support
- âServices are confidential - counselors won't share information with professors or family
- âUse BC-wide services like Here2Talk (24/7 for post-secondary students) or 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- âMany schools offer group therapy, workshops, and peer support programs
- âIf you have BC MSP, you can also access community mental health services
Useful Links:
âŋAccommodations & Accessibility
If you have a disability, medical condition, or barrier to learning, you can request accommodations. This might include extended time on exams, note-taking support, or accessible formats. The process is confidential and your professors don't need to know your diagnosis.
What to Do Now:
- âContact your school's Accessibility Services or Disability Services office
- âYou'll need documentation from a healthcare provider (doctor, psychologist, etc.)
- âMeet with an accessibility advisor to discuss what accommodations you need
- âAccommodations are tailored to your needs - common ones include extended time, quiet exam space, note-taking support
- âYou'll receive accommodation letters to give to professors (they don't need to know your diagnosis)
- âAccommodations can be requested at any time, but earlier is better
Related Guides:
đCrisis / Urgent Supports
If you're in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Don't wait - reach out immediately.
Emergency Contacts:
- âĸ911 - For immediate danger or medical emergencies
- âĸ988 - Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7, call or text)
- âĸHere2Talk - 24/7 mental health support for BC post-secondary students
- âĸBC Crisis Line - 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- âĸYour school's crisis support - Check your school's website for 24/7 crisis contacts
What to Do Now:
- âIf you're in immediate danger, call 911
- âFor mental health crisis, call 988 or your local crisis line
- âGo to the nearest emergency room if you need immediate medical attention
- âContact your school's crisis support - many have 24/7 hotlines
- âReach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor
Useful Links:
đŦHow to Talk to an Instructor When Struggling
It can be difficult to reach out to instructors when you're struggling, but many are understanding and want to help. You don't need to share personal details - focus on what you need academically.
Email Template:
Tips:
- âĸBe specific about what you need (extension, help understanding material, etc.)
- âĸYou don't need to share personal details - keep it professional
- âĸReach out early rather than waiting until the last minute
- âĸIf you have accommodations, mention your accommodation letter
- âĸBe respectful and acknowledge course policies