The content and self-care strategies offered in this interactive resource is intended for educational purposes only. This resource was designed to offer general advice and practices for self-care to help manage everyday stressors. If you are an individual who is experiencing emotional distress, mental health crisis or emotional, cognitive or psychological symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning please seek help from a qualified proffessional. Mental health is a serious matter that is best handled with the aid of a mental health proffesional.

If you are experiencing any mental health symptoms, please get in contact with emergency services or a qualified mental health practitioner. Below there are  links for different mental health services available to you.
  

Although self-care is a vital habit for preserving general wellbeing, it’s critical to understand that there are circumstances in which more prompt, expert assistance is required. Stressful university life might cause mental health crises in certain students that need immediate medical intervention.

Understanding the Indications of a Mental Health Emergency

  • Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Uncontrollably intense, sudden terror that interferes with day-to-day living.
  • Suicidal or self-harming thoughts: It is never appropriate to disregard depressing emotions or the impulse to harm oneself.
  • Inability to Function: A crisis may be imminent if emotional strain makes it unable to do daily chores.
  • Psychotic Episodes: Having trouble telling reality from illusions or hallucinations.

How to Act in an Emergency Situation

  • Speak Up for Assistance Right Now
  • Dial your local emergency number or 911 if you believe that you or someone you know is in urgent danger.
  • For on-campus assistance, get in touch with the emergency services or campus security at your university.
  • For urgent care, visit the closest emergency room.

Make Use of Campus Resources

  • Counseling Services: The majority of colleges provide low-cost or free counseling services. For example, the counseling department at UVIC offers qualified specialists who may assist in times of need. For further details, go to UVIC Mental Health Services.
  • Crisis Lines Open 24/7: A lot of schools provide student hotlines. These services are always available and confidential.

Create a Safety Strategy

  • Create a personal safety plan with the assistance of a counselor, which should contain coping mechanisms, emergency contacts, and what to do in the event of a crisis.
  • Create a personal safety plan with the assistance of a counselor, which should contain coping mechanisms, emergency contacts, and what to do in the event of a crisis.
    Notify Relatives and Friends:
  • Inform mentors, loved ones, and friends if you’re having difficulties. Having a solid support network can really help.


Recall: Asking for assistance is not a show of weakness, but of power. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing difficulties that self-care is unable to resolve. The results are usually better the earlier you get assistance.