Your university career is an exciting, but stressful time. Constant moves for co-op and the vying for co-op jobs can be destabilizing. Added to that, assignments, projects and midterms are constantly making us re-evaluate both our need for regular sleep, and our confidence in how much we actually know.
Luckily, sucking at tests now doesn’t mean you will be a bad engineer. There are many factors that contribute to your successes and failures in university which may not affect you when you join the workforce. In the real world you can choose a job that plays to your strengths. If you don’t do well in that controls course that has you tearing your hair out all term, you (probably) never need to look at it ever again!
However, at some point in your university career you might find some aspect of your life getting out of control. Everyone knows that proper diet and exercise are key to a healthy happy lifestyle, but these are hard to maintain as school terms progress. Worries about money and relationships may also weigh on your mind. So how do you tell the difference between understandable day to day stresses and something more severe?
Stress can often act as a trigger underlying mental health issues. Preventative action to combat stress and early intervention can make a world of difference! The following list are good warning signs to look out for in yourself or those around you:
- Significant changes in mood or enjoyment of hobbies
- Struggles with sleep, either having trouble falling asleep or routinely waking up poorly rested
- Appetite changes
- Finding you have trouble rebalancing
- Something that has been persistently bothering you that you want to talk about
If something is bothering you don’t hesitate. I visited Counselling Services before writing this article; everyone was incredibly helpful and kind. No worry is too small to seek assistance. If something is really bothering you it is worth consulting a qualified professional. They know how best to approach your worries. Generally counselling is not a long term commitment, on average most students only use 4-5 sessions.
I also learned about an interesting program that is gathering steam. The MATES program (Mentor Assistance Through Education & Support) has volunteers who are available to talk. Topics might range from relationship problems to midterm woes. The MATES are available to come out to various public spaces around campus. They can meet you in Williams, maybe help you with the job search, or even come to the first meeting of that club you were too shy to attend on your own! MATES are students themselves and have training in mental health first aid, peer help and mentorship support. It is a less in depth source of support which is solution focused. They create a safe space for you to talk confidentially and without judgement. Also check out their 2nd annual Chilly Dog Run on March 12th! It looks really fun!
Accessing Counselling Services
Waterloo Counselling Services can be accessed on a drop in basis in the Health Services Building (HS) (across from the SLC), Needles Hall (NH) and in the Engineering First Year office from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. HS has extended hours Wednesday and Thursday until 7:30. You can also phone (519-888-4567 x32655). Counselors cover a wide range of disciplines to meet your needs. The MATES program can be accessed at HS and NH. The wait list to see a counsellor can fluctuate, but if you are in crisis an immediate response clinician can be made available.
If you are worried that a friend is suffering from a mental health crisis you can contact Counselling Services, they are able to reach out confidentially to that individual. If you suspect that an individual’s safety is at risk you can also reach out to Campus Police or Waterloo Regional Police.
Resources are available in the community. Student health coverage can cover counselling visits and the Crisis Clinic at Grand River Hospital (519-742-3611) and you can also call Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454 or 211).
There are some great coping skills workshops offered in modular informational sessions, these include cultivating resiliency, strengthen your motivation, challenge your thinking and manage emotions. Register online at: https://uwaterloo.ca/counselling-services/services/coping-skills-seminars . Also check out the dates for stress reduction drop in sessions at the Engineering Counselling website.
NCHA Survey
Student needs change, so periodically Student Health Services sends out the NCHE survey. This decides how health services resources are allocated, so make sure to fill it out!
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