Mental Health Q&A

Recently, we’ve been hearing some important questions from students. We’ve compiled a list of common mental health-related questions and answers below, in case you’ve been wondering the same thing.

Questions and answers

Managing challenging emotions

Be kind to yourself. Difficult seasons in life impacts everyone differently. Judgement and criticism only amplify the challenge.
Become aware of the signs that you are experiencing challenging or difficult emotions. Notice when they arise, what they feel like, and how you want to respond before actually responding. Consider adding compassion and curiosity to the relationship you have with your emotions.
Take care of yourself by attending to your biological, social, and psychological needs on a regular basis. This is necessary before you can extend quality care to others.
“Self-care” looks different for everyone. Here is a BIG list of activities that might help you discover a new way to cope.
Reach out! Seek help! Ask for help from friends, family, mentors, community leaders, and BCIT Student Support Services who are here to help.

Relationships and supporting others

Each of us defines our mental health differently and so our struggles will also vary on an individual level.
Some common signs to look out and listen for include changes to mood, social engagement, sleep patterns, willingness to socialize, school performance, attendance at work/events, substance use, statements indicating difficulties, motivation, etc.
If you’re concerned about a change in someone you know, try to start a conversation about what you observe. Try out this compassionate script: “Hi [person’s name], I have noticed ____________, and I am concerned about _____________. I’m wondering if you want to talk with me or need more support?”
If you think they might benefit from talking with a counsellor, support them to make this connection happen.
If you suspect that someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, reach out to one of the BCIT Student Support Services, a Crisis line, or call 911.

Consider the previous question and responses; these perspectives apply to partners too.
Most of the time people want to be heard and know that they will not be judged for what they share. Try to listen without taking what is said personally; convey your care, understanding, and support. Avoid trying to problem-solve and fix things for them.
If you think they would benefit from talking with a counsellor you can reach out to us and we can help to refer you for couples counselling together (if appropriate).
Be direct in asking them what they need or want from you, and communicate whether or not you have the desire, capacity, and ability to provide that for them at this time.

Emotions can be powerful and overwhelming at times. It’s in their nature.
In order to influence how you behave, it is important to become aware of the thoughts and feelings that underlie those behaviours.
Turning your awareness inward with curiosity, stepping away from the situation, and slowing things down will help.
Work to be direct and clear in your communications with others.
Avoid judging yourself harshly for being imperfect, and try to learn from what didn’t go well so that you can do things differently next time
Apologize sincerely if you’re actions have led to harm.
Book an appointment with a BCIT counsellor to talk about what you are experiencing.

Managing stress as a student

Attend to your body’s needs and take breaks often.
Establish time and mental boundaries between school work and the rest of your life.
Make sure you are getting enough quality sleep (tips: reduce screen time before bed, use the Do Not Disturb feature on your devices, save your bed for sleeping and sex, try taking a bath or shower to relax, stop doing school work one hour or more before going to bed, establish a regular sleep routine, etc.).
Reach out to the Learning Commons for peer tutoring and academic skills support.

Keep yourself organized. Use physical systems like a calendar instead of mentally trying to keep track of everything you have to do.
Establish boundaries regarding your school work and honour them.
Notice if you are overworking to get better/the best grades. When under stress your grades might suffer a bit, so remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.
Proactively build in time to take care of yourself and restore depleted energy levels.
Start a task or assignment that inspires you to help build up momentum.

Career concerns

Searching for work can be challenging at the best of times and the social-economic impacts since 2020 have made things more challenging for many young people.
Seek help if you are feeling defeated so that you can come up with a strategy for success and learn some techniques that might help.
Check out BCITSA Career Services, EJobs, or book an appointment to speak with a BCIT counsellor.

Mental Health Q&A

Questions and answers

Managing challenging emotions

How do I manage my mental health during difficult times?

Relationships and supporting others

How can I tell if someone is struggling with their mental health, and what can I do?

How can I support my partner with their mental health?

How can I express my emotions so that they don’t negatively impact others?

Managing stress as a student

What are some tips for maintaining good mental health while in school?

How can I manage my energy levels and motivation so that I can still do well in classes?

Career concerns

How do I cope with feeling defeated and stressed during a difficult job search?