Reflecting on the past year and especially the last semester, I realized I experienced highs and lows that made me feel like I was a boat in a storm and the waves were taking me for a ride. Thinking back, I found there were signs when things were getting too much for me last year. I was sleeping too much, or not enough, I was losing track of time and wasn’t balancing my academic and personal time well.
The signs were there: I needed support. I knew that talking to someone helps when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Over the years, I’ve found this support in different ways, through peer support, friends, family, and counselling. Each of these ways to connect anchored me during the storm and helped me get through it with my well-being intact.
With my mental health not at its best, I reached out for help again. Being quick to respond to my mental health needs allowed me to take care of myself. I was able to easily navigate Dal’s counselling system and get the help I needed. I hope by sharing this information, you can access support or help someone navigate through the process.
Same-day counselling
For students on Dalhousie’s Halifax campuses, same-day counselling appointments are available daily through this online booking system. Same-day counselling appointment slots become available at 8 a.m. Monday to Friday, and at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Tips for booking
- Create your Health Profile and set up your Medeo account if you haven’t yet been to the Student Health and Wellness Centre. It takes less than 15 minutes and makes the process for booking any appointment much smoother.
- I found it helpful to set an alarm right at 8 a.m. to book a slot because appointments filled up quickly.
- The online booking system is faster than booking over the phone.
- Your first same-day appointment is your intake session, which means a counsellor will screen and assess your situation, discuss your options, provide coping strategies and make a wellness plan.
- Same-day counselling is prioritized for students who aren’t presently accessing on-going counselling.
For Truro students, online booking can be made via email by contacting healthac@dal.ca or by phone at 902-893-6300 during office hours.
Peer support
If you’re looking for strategies or just need someone to talk to about mental stressors, Peer Support is also here to help! My fellow Mental Health Peer Supporter and I offer confidential, non-judgemental, and safe mental health support to Dalhousie and King’s students. Drop-in hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4–6 p.m. in Room 349 of the SUB, and on Friday from 1–3 p.m. in the Melda Murray Student Centre on Sexton Campus.