Lean on me: Students help students combat mental health concerns

Between classes, work and worrying about the future, university is no picnic — especially come exam time. For many students experiencing loneliness or stress, having a fellow student to lean on who has had similar experiences can take off some of the pressure and reduce strains on mental health.  

University of Calgary student initiative ManUp for Mental Health responded to the overwhelming desire for informal student resources through a peer support program that was adopted by the SU Wellness Centre in 2016. Recently, the program moved to the Campus Community Hub after opening in March 2017.

Amit Manocha, fourth-year biomedical science student and co-president of the UCalgary ManUp for Mental Health club, says transitioning peer support to UCalgary has been positive for students seeking resources. “As a student organization we had limited resources and could only offer peer support a few days a week,” Manocha explains.

“The SU Wellness Centre has expanded the program and made it easier for students to access resources. They recruit, train and support student volunteers from across campus who are passionate about mental health.”

Program combats mental health concerns through informal support  

“On campus, stress and loneliness are huge issues that many students deal with. In the 2016 National College Health Assessment, 65 per cent of UCalgary students reported feeling lonely and 89 per cent felt overwhelmed at some point during the last year,” says Mandy McCaughley, SU Wellness Centre community training co-ordinator at the Hub.

“The Campus Community Hub Peer Support Program helps combat these concerns. We know it can be difficult to reach out for help, so having informal conversations with peers who can relate to common issues while participating in fun activities can be extremely powerful in helping students feel supported and connected on campus.”

With over a year of experience as a peer supporter, Manocha says the peer support program is a good stepping stone to seeking resources and handling mental health in a positive way. “Peer support is different from other campus resources because it’s less clinical — it’s a little more informal and a little less daunting but can have a big impact on students’ mental health,” Manocha says.

“As students ourselves, peer supporters can relate to the common challenges students experience on campus. We’re here to listen without judgment or bias and are willing to take the time to guide you in the right direction.”

Procrasti-Nation group study program encourages healthy habits 

In addition to offering one-on-one support, every Thursday evening peer support volunteers organize Thursday Hang @ the Hub nights where students can build connections with peers while participating in activities like paint nights, board game championships and pumpkin carving, to name a few.

With final exams approaching, the Hub launched Procrasti-Nation last week, a group study program to help students better manage studying, set goals and take breaks to maintain mental health. Manocha says group study has helped him reduce procrastination and alleviate academic stress.

“I think every student has experienced the fear and dread that comes with cramming for an exam. I used to procrastinate by watching Netflix and browsing social media, so I know how exhausting it can be,” he explains. “Studying in a group where everyone is supporting each other to achieve a common goal can be very motivating and makes your study session more engaging and fun. As students we already have enough stress, so finding a way to reduce some of it is important.”

Procrasti-Nation drop-in sessions will run regularly from Dec. 4 to 12 at the Campus Community Hub. For the full Procrasti-Nation schedule or more information on peer support, visit the Hub website.

The Campus Community Hub Peer Support Program aligns with the Campus Mental Health Strategy goals of promoting well-being, personal resilience and a supportive campus environment. Students are encouraged to drop in for peer-to-peer supportive listening Monday to Friday, or schedule a coffee and chat with a peer support volunteer by email.