Feeling stressed? Remember that there are many resources and services available to support students!
‘Listen to your body’, ‘never assume’ and ‘reach out’ were some of the key themes touched on by Cherie Mak, Mental Health Programs Officer, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Engineering (FASE), when talking about strategies that students can use to navigate end-of-term stresses.
“Your body is smart”, said Mak. “It will tell you and send signals when things aren’t right – so listen.” Common stress symptoms, include, faster heartbeat, sense of suffocation, headaches. She added, many students are aware of the symptoms, but many also have to learn to listen to the alarm signals, take them seriously and regulate their activity in response.
This is where FASE Mental Health and Wellness services can help, as can Cherie in her role and as a registered social worker. “I can be the first point of contact to do an intake assessment”, she said. “Then I can make immediate referrals to the best resource/service.”
She also stressed the importance of contacting the team early on, “We are here as advocates and a constant support point. Don’t wait until you are in crisis mode. If you don’t feel good: reach out to us.”
There is a great team of professionals in this Faculty who can help student with strategies to face challenges including accessibility officers, counselors and other support workers onsite for students.
“We can address mental health issues in more than just academic programs”, Cherie said. “For example we help out international students who may be entering an unfamiliar culture and environment.” They can also draw upon many community resources with tailor-made supports.
Here are Cherie’s suggested strategies in navigating the stress of the season:
- Listen to your body and take it seriously
- Pause and re-charge – Sleeping, getting outside, or a calming hobby, or activity.
- Do what’s best for you – There is no catch-all. Everyone is unique and copying others isn’t usually the best strategy.
- Talk it out – Friends, classmates, family. You don’t need to do this alone. Everyone feels the stress, therefore, most can relate.
- The “Never Assume list” – Never assume that “others are doing fine; no one will care about what you are going through; you always have to be the best; seeking help is a sign of weakness; you are a failure because you get a low grade”.
If you’re interested to connect with Cherie, you can reach her by emailing: mentalhealth@engineering.utoronto.ca. A final message: “You’re not alone. There are professionals, faculty, staff and peers who can be there for you”.
Note: If you are in distress, there are 24/7 counselling services and other resources available. In an emergency, call 911.
Additional Resources
U of T Engineering Student Well-being Guide
Skule Mental Wellness
Skule Mental Wellness Handbook
NAVI: Your Mental Health Wayfinder