Post-secondary schooling can be a difficult time for everyone, with assignments and classes that can pile up, causing stress or anxiety. Even worse, the new environment and social circles can make it hard to navigate all of this. However, both Fanshawe and the London area thankfully have a number of resources and people that understand what students go through and are able to help them cope with this. Below is a list of some of the places you can reach out to for mental health resources and counselling.

FANSHAWE RESOURCES

Counselling Services: Fanshawe offers counselling services which can be found on the main campus at Room F2010. According to the Fanshawe College website, “Counsellors provide a confidential atmosphere where you can explore any topic or situation and discuss any concerns you may have”. There are specialists available to help with whatever area one may need counselling including, stress management, career guidance, substance abuse, dealing with loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, assault, school failure, suicide risk and relationship difficulties. They also offer traumatic event response. Hours of operation are Monday to Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information can be found at fanshawec.ca/student-life/student-services/counselling-services or by phoning 519-452-4282.

Accessibility Services: According to the Fanshawe College website, counselling, academic accommodations and other “accessibility services are available for students with any type of accessibility need including ‘non-visible’ disabilities such as learning disabilities, medical conditions and mental illness”. Contact information and location are the same as Counselling Services.

Passport to Wellness: The Fanshawe College website states that, “wellness means living a balanced life and integrating aspects of the physical, intellectual, spiritual and community”. This series is a collection of workshops and activities that promote this lifestyle. Through this it is possible for a student to have their balanced activity plan verified for co-curricular credit. For more information visit fanshawec.ca/student-life/student-services/counselling-services.

Events: Fanshawe has a number of other events going on in and around Fanshawe campus that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive mental health. Some notable events to look out for include the Chill Lounge, Wellness Fair and Petting Zoo, all happening in the SUB building, throughout the school year. More information and dates can be found on the FSU website at fsu.ca/events.

OTHER LONDON RESOURCES

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC): LHSC houses a Mental Health Care Program that offers services for Eating Disorders, Adult Inpatient Mental Health Service, Centralized Emergency Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison, Coordinated Intake for Ambulatory Mental Health, General Adult Ambulatory Mental Health, Prevention & Early Intervention in Psychosis, Traumatic Stress and Urgent Consultation, among others. According to the LHSC website they “offer a wide range of programs which reflect the diversity of our clients…our main focus is excellence in patient care”. They also offer a 24 hour crisis hotline that can be reached at 519-433-2023. More information can be found at lhsc.on.ca/mental-health-care-program-adult/adult-mental-health-care-program.

Quick Access Mental Health Walk-In Clinic: This clinic is run by the Family Service Thames Valley (FSTV) organization and is open every Tuesday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. According to the FSTV website, services are “available for individuals, couples, and families looking for same-day single session therapy and counselling support.” Sessions are provided on a first-come, firstserved basis so no appointment is necessary. Cost of sessions is based on income, making it an affordable option for everyone. More information can be found at familyservicethamesvalley.com/services/quick-access-mental-health-walk-in-clinic-2 or by phoning 519-433-0183.

Reach Out: According to the Reach Out website, “Reach Out is a confidential 24/7 information, support and crisis service for people living with mental health or addictions concerns in Elgin, Oxford, Middlesex and London”. They offer services that include a mobile crisis intervention team; emotional trauma, distress or relapse services; depression, self-harm or suicidal counselling; access to community supports and addictions treatment; counselling for Substance use, gaming, internet disorder and problem gambling; as well as other general information about mental health and addictions. Their online, confidential web chat can be found at reachout247.ca or by phoning 519-433-2023.

Good2Talk: According to the Good2Talk website, “Good2Talk is a free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365”. Its primary focus is on ages 17 to 25 and they can be reached at good2talk.ca or by phoning 1-866-956-5454.