Feeling blue? Douglas has got you covered
By Ana Brito, Contributor
Life in college can be a stressful experience for many students. With the amount of time and energy students put in to working, studying, and other extra-curricular activities, some may feel burnt out, stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed.
The cold season also affects many students’ mental health. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, two to three percent of Canadians experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and this is common among college students. If you feel you are struggling with any of these, know that Douglas College provides counseling services for any registered student to help handle these situations.
Counseling services can take care of a wide variety of issues for students. Andria Wrench, a counselor at Douglas, explains that if any student thinks that they might need help navigating college life, the counseling services will provide a safe environment for them.
She explains that no one should have to deal with the pressure of college life alone—this is where counseling can help. These services offer a short assistance model, just ten sessions max (50 mins each), where students can talk and get the help they need. It is voluntary, and students can quit whenever they want.
“We are listeners, we are here to help. Come give it a try, and then make a decision,” Wrench suggests.
Counseling Services can help with personal counseling, just like regular therapy, where students can talk about individual problems. They also provide help in college-related matters such as career planning and support in navigating the college policies.
The importance of understanding the college rules and regulations was highlighted by Wretch. She clarifies that some students might not fully understand their rights and responsibilities, and that it is okay to approach Counseling Services for further clarification if students feel they need help with college life.
Wrench also explains that if any student feels like they’ve been treated unfairly in any college situation, their services are there to help analyze and solve the situation. “We can help understand what’s going on and support them getting back on track. We follow each student’s lead to make them feel comfortable,” Wrench said.
Same day urgent appointments are provided for those students who need it.
Besides providing short sessions, the Counselling Services also organizes the International Café, held every Tuesday from 2:30 pm to 4 pm in DSU Building Room 207, at the New Westminster Campus. This is a friendly space to make connections, relax, and meet new people.
