{"id":44279,"date":"2017-03-30T14:28:40","date_gmt":"2017-03-30T18:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=44279"},"modified":"2017-03-31T10:53:01","modified_gmt":"2017-03-31T14:53:01","slug":"brock-highlights-mental-health-supports-on-campus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2017\/03\/brock-highlights-mental-health-supports-on-campus\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock highlights mental health supports on campus"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>As exam season gets underway and stresses run high, Brock University is reminding students there are supports available on campus to lend a helping hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mental health and wellness are imperative to academic success and Brock has committed to ensuring the supports students need to thrive are readily available, said Sarah Pennisi, Director of Brock\u2019s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC).<\/span><\/p>\n

The centre is a one-stop destination for students seeking health, wellness and accommodation support.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a typical day, students go to SWAC to access personal counselling services, academic accommodations and medical services.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe demand for mental health support has increased exponentially not only here at Brock but also at other post-secondary institutions,\u201d Pennisi said.<\/span><\/p>\n

That rise signals that people are becoming more aware of available resources, but does not lessen the importance of continuing to advertise supports accessible on campus.<\/span><\/p>\n

For anyone experiencing a difficult time, Pennisi said the first and most important step is reaching out to someone who can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognize we need to be out there and visible so that it\u2019s easier for students,\u201d she said. \u201cWe want to ensure people are not struggling to figure out which pathway to support is appropriate. We want them to be able to hook into service in an easy way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once students connect with health services, personal counselling or accessibility services \u2014 all available through SWAC \u2014 they\u2019ve reached the front door that will direct them to the appropriate supports, she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny door is the right door for students to come in and be supported through those formal services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pennisi also drew attention to resources available online through<\/span> brockmentalhealth.ca<\/span><\/a>, as well as the Integrated Mental Health and Wellness mobile app, known as I.M. Well, launched by the Brock University Students\u2019 Union last fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brock is in the process of updating its mental health strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal, Pennisi said, is to develop a strategy that strengthens collaboration with various community partners to provide the best care plan for students, ensures services are driven by student experience, and addresses existing gaps by enhancing programs and services.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consultation with the Brock community will be a key component of the strategy\u2019s development. Opportunities for feedback will be announced in the coming months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who to call on campus in a crisis situation<\/strong><\/p>\n