Mental health is an important part of overall health. Our approach to mental health support is guided by our Mental Health & Well-being Framework.
Below are ways you can support your mental health by reaching out and connecting with your peers, your college, and our campus communities.
Ways to connect
Reach Out
Resources for staff and faculty
Helping Someone You're Worried About
Ways to connect:
There are a variety of opportunities to connect with the Trent community, whether you are on or away from campus. Check out the upcoming events on the myTrent calendar and the Student Experience Portal.
Reach Out
For a comprehensive list of mental health resources, visit Counselling Services' mental health resources page.
If you need someone to reach out to, here are some great options:
- A friend, relative, roommate, classmate, or Elder
- Connect with Peer Support: A non-judgmental online space to meet with a peer one-on-one
- Download the I M Well app: Find information about wellness and mental health, connect with a counsellor, life coach, and other helping professionals
- Virtual Counselling options on the Durham GTA campus or Peterborough campus
- Single Session Therapy virtual appointments at Trent Counselling Services. Get quick access to professional counselling support.
- Good2Talk Post-Secondary Student Helpline. Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 or phone 1-866-925-5454.
Find more information and resources on the Student Wellness Centre page.
There are also supports for Trent staff and faculty
- Visit the Human Resources benefits page to learn about the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and extended health benefits
- Explore other workplace mental health resources
- Canadian Mental Health Association: Return to workplace toolkit
Helping Someone You're Worried About
If you're worried about someone you know, here are some ways you can help them.
- Raise a concern: Forget all the reasons not to approach someone. If you're worried, it is your business. Don't rely on someone else to help who might be closer to this person. Tell the person what you've noticed and how it's impacting you. For example: "Hey, I saw your instagram story the other day. It sounds like things aren't going well. Are you OK?"
- Listen: Resist the urge to solve problems and advise. Listen actively and non-judgmentally. For example: "You've said you're really overwhelmed. How is that impacting you?"
- Share resources and normalize: Know of a few resources that might be helpful or offer to explore resources with them. For example: "I know of a few great counsellors if that's something you're interested in," or "I've found that talking to someone can help. Do you know anyone you could talk to about this?"
- Know your limits: Establish and maintain boundaries. Be transparent about what you're able, and not able, to do. For example: "To be honest, I don't really know if I'm the best person to help with what's going on, but I would really like to help you find someone who can help."
For more information about helping and having conversations about mental health, visit Be There.