Note: If you are in crisis and/or distress and require immediate response, please call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

University can be a stressful place. Having midterms and assignments around the corner, while trying to balance a job, relationships, and your own wellbeing can be tricky! Sometimes that balance can be disturbed and it can be hard to get it back. If you are struggling, please reach out and ask for help. When we are ill with a flu or other health concern, seeking the help of a doctor is not seen as a weakness, but a necessary step to ensure our well-being. Why then, when we are facing a mental health concern, should reaching out for help seem any different? Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage. Here’s a few resources available on campus to use if/when you need to:

UBC Counselling Services – Located in Brock Hall. They have drop in hours all week long and same-day appointments.

“Speaking with a counsellor can help clarify concerns or situations and open up new ways of dealing with them. We offer a variety of services that can help you manage mental health concerns and have the best university experience possible.”

The Kaleidoscope – Kaleidoscope hold weekly meetings in Buchanan D306 on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. for the 2014W term. Alternatively there are also meetings in Richmond at the Cambie Community Centre on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m.

“The primary goal of our initiative is to provide a safe, stigma-free environment for individuals living with mental illness in and around the UBC community.  It will be a place for people to participate in a growing support network where they are able to share their stories with others going through similar experiences, in confidence, without fear of discrimination.”

AMS Speakeasy – Located in SUB 100B, this service is easily accessible and a great place to start the conversation.

“University is an extremely challenging and stressful time for everyone, and Speakeasy was established to provide a non-judgmental, supportive ear for students and faculty members who are feeling distressed. They’re also very good at connecting students with other resources, so if you’re not sure exactly where to turn, but need help, Speakeasy is a great first option.”

UBC Student Health Services – Located at the UBC Hospital. Please call ahead to 604.822.7011 to book an appointment.

“Student Health Service offers a variety of health care services to help you live well, feel good, and achieve your goals. Our family doctors and registered nurses can help you take care of your physical and mental health so that you’re able to have the best university experience possible.”

Sexual Assault Support Centre – Located on the North side of the SUB in room 249M.

“The Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) at the University of British Columbia is committed to the education, support, and empowerment of people of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence.  Through our feminist, anti-oppression framework, we are dedicated to creating a safer university campus.  The Sexual Assault Support Centre serves UBC students, staff, faculty, and people with a connection to the UBC campus.”

Wellness Centre – Open all week long in the basement on the Irving K. Barber library (Room 183).

“The Wellness Centre is a friendly, safe space for you to talk with experienced students about things like safer sex, how to manage stress, and ways to eat and sleep better. Sometimes it’s nice to talk to another student when you have questions about your mental or physical health. Speaking with another student can give you insight into things like how other students manage stress, the best ways to prepare and eat good food on a budget, how to make friends on such a large campus, and where to go if you’d like more help taking care of your wellbeing.”

Are there any other UBC resources that we missed?

– Ivan Yastrebov, Communications and Marketing