The beginning of the school year is here, and for many, this brings up lots of different feelings… good, bad, and likely both. Many of you will be experiencing pure excitement, and others will be feeling a lot of angst, and I am here to tell you that both are totally okay. You are not alone in any of this! University is fast, and it is hard but also full of lots of greatness. It is also okay if your university experience looks different than someone else’s; no experience is better than the other. My advice is that this is the time to be your true self. If you like to party, party, but if yo ..read more

I have found myself facing anxious thoughts as I become closer to graduating this summer. I feel like I am living in a time of uncertainty as I approach the end of my academic journey (or at least this chapter). I know many of my friends are currently feeling the same way, whether it be choosing where to live if they want to continue pursuing academia further, or what they want to do for a future career. So let me share the dialogue that I have had in my head over the past few months as I attempt to come to terms with this time of uncertainty: The first thing I asked myself when graveling w ..read more

With only a month left of classes left, I know many of you may be experiencing burnout and exhaustion. It can be hard to have the motivation to get the day started and stay productive. Know that you are not alone, and you are so close to being finished, you can do it!! I know something that helps spark my productivity is having an enjoyable place to study! It is always important to have things to look forward to in your day, and if you look forward to going to your study space you will be more motivated to get work done!! 5 places to try studying at on Campus: 1)  Library: Obviously we ..read more

Hi readers! I wanted to share a piece of writing I wrote for UVIC’s on the Verge writing contest last year on resilience. My hope is that by sharing my mental health experiences, you – the reader, will feel a little less alone. Thanks for reading! I was 13 years old when I decided that the world is a terrible, awful, extremely sucky place. The angst of adolescence and my newfound mental health issues had placed a chip on my shoulder. It’s not a phase, mom, I thought as I predictably dyed my hair crazy colors and cried in my bed listening to Panic! At the Disco.  Although it ..read more

Hi friends! As someone who has wanted to pursue further education after my bachelors, I have often found myself trying to find a healthy balance between maintaining my grades and maintaining my mental health. Through my four years of schooling I have learned how to balance my grades and mental health in a way that works for me. In this post I’ll share what I have found works for me, and I hope you can use them during your schooling to improve your mental health as well! The Most Important Tip Anyone Could Give Your health is more important than any class or grade. Your physical health ..read more

*Content Warning: Post contains discussion of suicide, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts* Resources: Crisis Services Canada 24/7 Phone Line: 1-833-456-4566 SMS Text: Text START to 45645 from 4pm-12am ET Mental Health Support line: 310-6789 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 833-456-4566  BC Suicide Line: 1-800-784-2433 UVic SupportConnect: 1- 844-773 -1427 It can be scary when a friend or loved one is having thoughts of suicide, and it can be hard seeing them go through a tough time in their lives. There are many different reasons why someone may consider ending their life, and reg ..read more