By Jennifer Pazdor
Learning to manage mental health while putting full focus on school work can be challenging, but students need to be able to take care of themselves to put out the best quality of work they possibly can.
That’s part of the reason why Red River College (RRC) created the initiative Healthy Minds Healthy College to provide a community of support for the well-being of students.
Students in the cafeteria at the Exchange District Campus.
Parts of this initiative include the online resource, Mind It!, which helps students get the help and resources they need, and Red River ReliefLine, a 24-hour emotional support service.
RRC is also collaborating with the Students Association to hold THRIVE Week from Nov. 6 to 10 to focus on four parts of self-care — relaxation, self-expression, physical activity, and social connection.
“The aim is to provide opportunities for students and staff to engage in these forms of self-care,” said mental health coordinator Breanna Sawatzky. “[It’s to] encourage students to continue doing things that support their wellbeing after THRIVE Week has passed.”
RRC also offers counselling services and other resources to struggling students. The student benefit plan also offers $1000 of coverage for psychological services.
According to Laureen Janzen, manager of counselling and accessibility Services, over 1300 students, about 12 per cent of the total student body, connected with mental services over the 2016-2017 year. This was an increase from the previous academic year.
Students can find resources at blogs.rrc.ca and counselling can be booked online at blogs.rrc.ca/counselling and in person at the Roblin Campus in P210, the Notre Dame Campus in D102 and the Training Centre on the fourth floor.
