The summer has flown by. Students have registered for their courses, are settling into their dorms, and are making the final preparations for their new classes! As exciting as this time of year can be for some students, I know that it can be incredibly stressful for others, especially when starting a new school, new curriculum, moving out of your family home for the first time, making new friends, and then finally, having a workload that begins to pile up.

How do you, as a student, go about prioritizing your mental health during the school year, and still manage to reach academic success? Here are five key services that your Student Assistance Program (SAP) can offer you in times of need.

1)   Counselling

Quality, professional counselling services are an excellent resource for any student looking for one-on-one guidance on any issue, big or small. I’ve seen many students benefit from the counselling options available through their SAP services, and have heard from the institutions that support them about the substantial improvements these students have experienced in their daily lives.

2)   24/7 Helpline

Sometimes, the demands of maintaining a high level of academic performance can be overwhelming: that’s why the availability of a 24-hour helpline is particularly crucial for students who need immediate support. In addition to helping you with daily struggles that you may be experiencing, I find that these helplines become even more imperative in the event of crisis. Whether it be a personal crisis, or something that affects your ability to function at school, a professional helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in your preferred language, can provide the support that you need to develop coping skills and resiliency.

3) Nutritional Counselling

With so many academic demands and responsibilities, many students find it difficult to receive proper nutrition during their busy school semesters. Healthy food is essential to good mental health, and nutritional counselling is an excellent resource for you, as a student, to help source the best food plan at the right budget. In my years of experience, I’ve found that proper nutritional options serve as a boost for better mental health and wellness.

4) Home and Family Stress

Even when you move away from home to attend school, family issues and their related stresses can creep up. If the stress starts to feel insurmountable, this can take a serious toll on your mental health, and eventually your academic performance. Specific counselling for any student who worries about losing control of any family-related stress can be a highly efficient means of finding the right solution that works for you. Though it can be particularly challenging to deal with stress related to family issues, the journey may seem less arduous with the support from SAP services.

5) Adjustment to Post-Secondary Life

I know how difficult it can be to get back to school, especially after a great summer. Getting back into the swing of things may be a huge challenge for many post-secondary students, especially if they have existing mental health challenges. With the help of SAP services, you will have the resources available to adjust to your new post-secondary environment and take charge of your academic success.

A new school year can bring up a multitude of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. With the help of your Student Assistance Program, students will be empowered to make a strong commitment to their mental health and meet every challenge along the way.

For more information on how you can learn the strategies that you need to be empowered, contact your Student Assistance Program today.