Checking in with your mental health
Feeling blue? You’re not alone. Periods of low mental health can happen to anyone at any time of year and for any number of reasons — but many people find winter months extra challenging.
The good news is there are resources to help.
When you have positive mental health, you’re more energized, more engaged and able to bounce back from challenges more easily. Periods of low mental health can look like changes in your sleep or eating habits, distancing yourself from your support network or experiencing anxiety, irritability or mood swings.
Shelann McQuay, a counsellor from SAIT Student Development and Counselling (SDC), says, “We’re getting the shortest days of the year, and we know scientifically that daylight and receiving vitamin D effects mental and physical wellness. Plus, with cold temperatures, we might not be getting outside and being active. We can slip into hibernation mode.”
McQuay mentions emotional stress from holidays, financial strain, the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and re-entering the “grind” after a break can also impact mental wellness.
“We all have mental health, and it’s something we have to take care of,” McQuay says. “Just as we do things to stay well physically and ward off colds and flus, we have to be intentional and care for mental health to keep it well.”
Fostering a routine of mental wellness
By building a routine around your wellness and introducing a few small practices to your life, you may be able to improve your mental health.
“Many things that can improve our personal well-being are within our control. Do an inventory of yourself,” McQuay advises. “Reflect on your sleep patterns and your eating habits, your physical activity and your social engagement.”
Some questions McQuay poses: “Are you doing things that are meaningful to you? That matter to you? Are you able to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments? Are you connecting with people who are positive and encouraging?”
To get you started:
👂 Listen to your body to recognize stress and build resilience.
🧘♀️ Practice small acts of meditation to increase your calm and boost your focus.
😴 Catch more Zs to improve your mood, energy, memory and more.
Knowing where to ask for support
As long as you’re a SAIT student, Student Development and Counselling supports your well-being and success through free in-person, telephone or video appointments. SDC also provides workshops throughout the year to help you when things feel overwhelming in school or in your personal life.
McQuay says, “If it feels like something is getting in the way of your goals, if you’re not coping as well as you’d like to be, if something just feels ‘off’ or even if you’re just curious about your mental wellbeing, come talk to us.”
We also asked our Student Outreach Wellness Leaders (OWLs) about student resources that contribute to mental wellbeing and success — and are free for SAIT students.
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On behalf of SDC, McQuay adds, “The biggest thing we want you to know is that you’re part of an incredible community here at SAIT, and all of our resources are here to support you. You’re not alone.”
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.