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.

💚What "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:

✓Recognize that struggling is normal - many students experience stress, anxiety, or depression
✓Know that seeking help is a positive step, not a sign of failure
✓Ask each service how it protects your information and what confidentiality exceptions apply
✓Support is available both on-campus and through BC-wide services
✓You can access services even if you're not in crisis - prevention is important

🧠Mental Health Supports

Explore your school's counseling services and BC-wide resources. Check eligibility, costs, hours and confidentiality limits with each service. You don't need to be in crisis to seek support.

What to Do Now:

✓Check your school's Counseling or Wellness Centre for eligibility, fees and appointment options
✓Ask about appointment availability and after-hours support; do not assume campus services provide emergency care
✓Ask about consent, record access and exceptions to confidentiality before sharing sensitive information
✓Use BC-wide services like Here2Talk (24/7 for post-secondary students) or 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
✓Many schools offer group therapy, workshops, and peer support programs
✓If you have BC MSP, you can also access community mental health services

Useful Links:

♿Accommodations & Accessibility

If you have a disability, medical condition, or barrier to learning, ask your school's accessibility office about accommodations. Supports might include extended exam time, note-taking support, or accessible formats. Processes and privacy practices vary by school; ask who can access your information and what instructors need to know before sharing sensitive documents.

What to Do Now:

✓Contact your school's Accessibility Services or Disability Services office
✓Ask what documentation, if any, your school requires, how to share it securely, and whether obtaining it has a cost before arranging reports
✓Meet with an accessibility advisor to discuss what accommodations you need
✓Discuss which supports may address your barriers; accommodations depend on your school's assessment and process
✓If accommodations are approved, follow your school's notification process and ask what information instructors receive
✓Contact the office early and check school-specific deadlines, including arrangements for urgent or new needs

Related Guides:

Accommodation Request (How to Prepare + What to Expect) →

🆘Crisis / 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:

•911 - For immediate danger or medical emergencies
•988 - Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7, call or text)
•Here2Talk - 24/7 mental health support for BC post-secondary students
•BC Mental Health & Crisis Response - 310-6789 (no area code). Current Crisis Centre BC support options →
•Your school's crisis support - Check your school's current service hours and after-hours arrangements

What to Do Now:

✓If you're in immediate danger, call 911
✓For mental health crisis, call 988 or your local crisis line
✓Go to the nearest emergency room if you need immediate medical attention
✓Check your school's crisis support hours; use 988 for suicide crisis support at any time
✓Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor

Useful Links:

💬How 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:

Subject: Request for Support - [Course Name] Dear Professor [Last Name], My name is [Your Name], and I'm a student in your [Course Name] class (Section [if applicable]). I'm reaching out because I'm experiencing some challenges that are affecting my ability to keep up with coursework. [Optional: Brief, general explanation - e.g., "I've been dealing with some personal/health issues" or "I'm struggling with the workload and time management."] I would like to discuss: - [Specific request: e.g., "extending the deadline for [Assignment Name]," "getting help understanding [Topic]," "discussing my options for catching up"] I understand that [acknowledge any policies - e.g., "late assignments may have penalties," "there may be limits on extensions"]. I'm committed to completing the work and would appreciate your guidance on the best path forward. Would you be available to meet during your office hours, or would you prefer to discuss via email? Thank you for your understanding. Best regards, [Your Name] [Student ID] [Email]

Tips:

•Be specific about what you need (extension, help understanding material, etc.)
•You don't need to share personal details - keep it professional
•Reach out early rather than waiting until the last minute
•If you have accommodations, mention your accommodation letter
•Be respectful and acknowledge course policies