It’s not uncommon for university and college students to experience some anxiety or depression brought on by a tough workload and the stress of living on their own. For students with a chronic illness, these issues can be especially difficult to deal with. Whether you’re feeling depressed, or you just have a lot on your mind and need someone to talk to, there are people at your school that can help.

Most (if not all) schools have extensive health and wellness centres, but a lot of students don’t know these resources exist. Reaching out and asking for help is daunting enough as it is, but what about when you don’t know where to turn or how to access the help you need? We’ve compiled lists of some the services at two BC campuses to give you an example of what may be available at your university or college.

Student Health Services:

UBC Vancouver Counselling Services

See a Counsellor By Appointment:

• Individual Counselling
  • Initial appointment – Drop by Counselling Services anytime between 9:30 am -3:30 pm Monday through Friday
  • Follow-up appointment(s) -Call (604)822-3811 or drop by Counselling Services to speak with the receptionist
• Group Counselling
  • Anxiety/Mood/Mindfulness Stress Management programs
• Emergency Counselling- If your concerns are urgent, call (604)822-3811 or drop by Counselling Services to speak with the receptionist
• Office location: Room 1040 Brock Hall, 1874 East Mall
• See the UBC Counselling Services website for more information.

Other Campus Resources:

• Access & Diversity: Call (604)822-5844; located at 1874 East Mall, Brock Hall
• Wellness Workshops
• Concerned about a student?
• Tweet @UBCHealthy and /or like HealthyMinds@UBC on Facebook
• Healthy Minds Blog

“The Access and Diversity Resource Centre provided me with an overwhelming amount of support. They helped me communicate my health status to my professors and faculty advisors, and arranged for academic accommodations where necessary. I would highly recommend that any UBC student living with a chronic illness or disability make an appointment with an advisor to see how they can help you make the most of your studies.”  – Student, University of British Columbia

SFU Counselling Services

See a Counsellor By Appointment:

• SFU Burnaby: Visit in person Monday to Friday between 9:00 am- 4:30 pm to book an appointment *
• SFU Surrey/Vancouver: Call (778)782-5200

* For questions, call (778)782-4615. For a full list of clinic services, visit the SFU Health Services website.

Where are the health clinics located?

• SFU Burnaby Health Clinic: Room 0101 on the bottom Floor of the Maggie Benston Centre (MBC), on the south side of Convocation Mall
• SFU Vancouver Health Clinic: Located at the Harbour Centre Campus, on the bottom floor across from the SFU Bookstore and at the foot of the escalator. (One floor down from Hastings Street entrance.)

Other Campus Resources:

• Seminars & Workshops
• Family Counselling Services
• SFU Health Promotion Team
• SFU Wellness Wheel
• SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities

Crisis Lines and Helplines:

• Crisis Centre of BC at (604)872-3311 (Toll free at 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-SUICIDE)
• Crisis Centre of BC online chat from noon to 1 am for adults or for youth. For more information visit the Crisis Centre Get Help page.

“Chronic pain was a burden for so many of our callers. It can really take a toll on someone’s mental health. Losing the ability to do activities callers once enjoyed with loved ones can lead people to feel isolated and hopeless. Being able to share those feelings with someone can ease the burden. Crisis Lines are a great resource. They provide a non-judgemental, caring and supportive environment”
– BC Crisis Line Support Worker

The university services cater specifically to students, so they understand your needs and can provide support in a non-judgemental, confidential environment. Don’t let your arthritis get in the way of your academic success.