Mental health apps available for students this fall
Some of these support systems are available 24/7
It’s back to school season again, but this year is different than they used to be. KPU has decided to switch to online classes and limited in-person laboratory components for the fall semester. This means staying at home, studying with gadgets open all day, and constantly updating yourself with deadlines and lectures.
Students are in the adjustment stage which can be overwhelming and stressful. Luckily, some organizations are willing to help anyone who feels mentally drained or unwell.
Here2Talk is an online platform run by the provincial government for post-secondary students in B.C. which aims to provide mental health support and substance use interventions. It offers free, 24/7 counselling services in English, French, Punjabi and Chinese, and contains useful resources for supporting mental health and wellness.
The organization keeps students’ personal and health-related information strictly confidential. Here2Talk welcomes individuals experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and many more. It is easily accessible for everyone as it can be opened through a browser or downloaded on smartphones through the App Store and Google Play.
Another platform for improving students’ mental wellness is keep.meSAFE by Guard.Me. It provides 24/7 access to mental health support programs with licensed clinicians.
Their program features immediate and confidential support through calls and text with their free My SSP app, which can be accessed by international and domestic students. The app can be customized to accommodate users’ cultures and preferred languages. For easy access, download the MySSP application on your smartphone.
Another option for KPU students is the free Counselling Services centre, which is staffed by licensed professionals to assist with anything that can affect students’ overall well-being. Appointments can be booked by calling 604-599-2828, or through the centre’s website.
Counselling Services normally also offers drop-in sessions running Mondays through Fridays, however all counselling visits are being handled online or by phone due to COVID-19. Visit kpu.ca/counselling for more information and a list of counsellors available through different KPU campuses.
Balancing personal and academic life during a pandemic is not an easy thing to do. Students are out of the comfort zone of their usual school routines, and everyone is finding alternative ways to learn.
Mental struggles can affect your body and overall well-being. These resources are meant for students’ to use whenever they feel mentally and emotionally exhausted, and they provide a safe place to recover and gather strength without the fear of judgment.
