Arriving at a new school is all about change: new classes, new friends, and new textbooks to buy. While a seasoned fourth year student might already know where to find the best coffee and secret study locations on campus, they have their own concerns as the fall semester takes hold: balancing extra-curriculars, maintaining scholarships, and figuring out life after graduation.
Student life has always been associated with a pressure to succeed. However, an Ontario College Counsellors study found that students seem to be juggling more competing priorities than ever before. If you are one of the 250,000 post-secondary international students in Canada, this rings especially true. In addition to the rigorous demands of academic life, you may be dealing with homesickness, cultural transitions, financial stress and visa applications.
There is good news:
1) It is completely normal to feel anxious and stressed-out. A recent study from the University of Alberta found that many students reported feeling anxiety at some point during their studies and on-campus counselling services have seen an increased demand for mental health services as well. Stress happens to everyone, but the changes that come with being a student can be especially overwhelming – remember, you’re not alone.
2) Friends and counsellors are great resources for listening and helping you to find strategies and supports through difficult times. Good2Talk/Allo J’écoute(1-866-925-5454) is a free, bilingual, 24/7 resource for students like you to talk openly about any issues you may be having adjusting to your new life here in Canada.
You can reach out to talk about anything that’s troubling you: relationship struggles, homesickness, exam stress… anything! Call Good2Talk – they can also help you find local community resources to support any mental health concern. Your conversation will be completely confidential and anonymous – there is always someone to listen and help.
Good2Talk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for students enrolled aged 17-25 attending a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Ontario. The helpline can be reached at 1-866-925-5454 or by dialing 2-1-1 and asking to be connected to Good2Talk.
To locate a Crisis Line in your province, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) provides education, advocacy and mental health services across Canada. Find your CMHA branch here: http://www.cmha.ca/get-involved/find-your-cmha/.