While we all live amidst COVID-19, we have to learn to adjust to this new normal. Learning to live in a pandemic ought to cause stress and anxiety to us students and everyone across the globe. While we fight this pandemic together, we mustn’t forget to take care of our mental well-being. Here is a list of a few online mental health resources
1. KeepmeSAFE
Keep.meSAFE is a mental health counselling service which specifically aims to support student mental health! Through this service, you can access counselling appointments with fully licensed counsellors in Montreal, through in-person counselling if you’re currently living in the city, or via telephone (with short wait times!) and mobile chat if you are not! This service boasts international support, offering mental health counselling in over 60 languages; it can be accessed from anywhere across the globe. For more information on how to set up an account, check it out here through SSMU:
2. Bullet journalling
Bullet journaling is an awesome way to organize your personal goals, including physical, psychological, emotional, relational and spiritual pursuits; as well as your academic and professional aspirations; in one place. A bullet journal is “equal part day planner, diary, and written meditation”, serving as a consolidated and personalized space for logging daily tasks, jotting down thoughts and feelings, keeping tabs on reminders, writing down lists of your favourite books/movies - you can really make it your own! They’re a great way to relieve stress, in addition to being really fun to create, organize, and grow with! Check out this website for more info on how to start:
3. 7cups
7cups is a free online mental health resource that allows members from all over the world to connect by text, at any time of the day or night, to a registered listener who will help them through active listening. You can sign up as a member if you need to talk anonymously to a non-judgmental listener for as long as you need or as a listener if you want to help members in need of psychological support. Preferential appointments based on the listener’s gender, knowledge, or experience are available. You have access to training modules on various topics related to mental health such as alcohol and drug consumption, relationship advice, how to deal with emotions, stress, and anxiety, and much more!
Website: https://www.7cups.com/
4. Jack.org
Jack.org’s mission is to help adolescents and young adults understand how to take care of their own mental health and to look out for each other. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, and Jack Summits, you learn to identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health.
Jack Talks consist of professionals, as well as relatable younger speakers, sharing their own personal experience with mental health.
Jack Chapters are a group of individuals who come together in hopes to increase mental health awareness in their schools and communities.
Jack Summits are large conferences happening all over Canada, bringing together hundreds of young mental health advocates, with the goal of building their leadership skills to implement change in their communities. These resources are available online through live streams and pre-recorded sessions.
Website: https://jack.org/Home
5. Peer Support Center
If you’re interested in a more casual service that allows you to talk to another student rather than a professional, check out the volunteer-based Peer Support Center (PSC). The free and online PSC offers a space for students to talk to peers trained to remain non-judgemental while maintaining confidentiality. With both drop-in hours and the ability to make appointments, these 45-minute sessions are designed to connect with peers that will actively listen to whatever is on your mind.
Website: https://psc.ssmu.ca/what-to-expect/
6. McGill’s Students Nightline
Run by McGill volunteers, the Nightline offers both an anonymous chat and call option, providing a space to utilize a confidential and non-judgemental listening service. These non-professional volunteers are trained in everything from resource sharing, to lending an ear and a safe place to vent, to crisis management. The service operates from 6 p.m.- 3 a.m. every night and is free and online.
Website: http://nightline.ssmu.ca/
7. App: Strava
Social network app to encourage people to be more active and to get up and move during a time like the pandemic! Used for anyone who enjoys running, cycling, walking, or hiking
And allows you to measure your performance, connect and receive feedback from other athletes in your community, join outdoor clubs in your neighborhood Strava also provides monthly challenges - for example: run 5km during the month of September or try a new running route in your location.
Website: https://www.strava.com
8. App: Relax melodies
Having trouble sleeping under these stressful times? Relax melodies provides nature sounds, guided meditations, breathing exercises, isochronic brain waves, and soothing music to relax the mind before bed. The app is designed in Montreal and also provides a bedtime reminder to ensure you get enough hours of sleep
Website: https://www.relaxmelodies.com