Mind and Wellness Services

Mind and Wellness Services

Before Reading this information, take a minute to relax:

Breathe in slowly through your nose counting to 4. Exhale slowly through your mouth counting to 8. Do this a few times and be sure to let your shoulders drop and feel your body relax and renew.

Mind and Wellness Services Student academic success, just as success in the working world, is dependent on balancing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  The addition of Mind and Wellness Services (MWS) to Student Success Services gives students an opportunity to receive assessment, education and referrals to support them through a variety of difficulties in maintaining this balance.

Why would someone go to Mind and Wellness Services?

Assessment
If you have concerns that you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness- changes in any of the following : sleep patterns, appetite (weight gain or loss), energy levels, mood, relationships or the ability to take pleasure in your daily life.

These basics can change for brief periods of time, especially in response to outside circumstances such as starting school and being away from home for the first time, a big exam coming up or a relationship breakup.

If, however, these are seriously interrupted for longer than a couple of weeks, an assessment by our mental health nurse can help you make informed decisions about what steps you need to take.

Support
If you have a diagnosed mental illness, such as depression, anxiety/panic, bipolar or schizophrenia, connecting with our services can help you succeed academically. We can link you with supports within the college. We can also help to connect you with mental health supports in our community if needed.

Education
Mental Health Nurse, Valerie Geen, R.N. is available to teach relaxation techniques to help you learn how to keep your stress levels balanced. Education about stress and other common concerns listed below is available.

Referrals
Valerie is a registered nurse experienced in working with mental health. She can provide you with feedback, information and referral to either our counselors at Loyalist or services available in the local community depending on your need.

Common concerns include alcohol and drug problems, anger, anxiety, bipolar illness, depression, eating disorders, gambling addiction, homesickness, learning to live with chronic pain, loneliness, porn addiction, schizophrenia, sexuality questions, stress, trauma, relationships/socialization difficulties.

Relaxation and Emotional Awareness

Relaxation and an increased level of awareness have a direct impact on concentration and focus. Becoming more mindful and relaxed helps replace high levels of distraction and tension (physical and emotional) with a sense of calmness and control over competing and distracting thoughts and physical tension.

Studies on emotional intelligence are indicating that one of the best predictors of student success is their level of emotional intelligence, rather than their previous GPA. (Dr. James Parker’s work at Trent University)

Services from Mind and Wellness

Relaxation Techniques 
A Relaxation Techniques class is offered from 1:00-1:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Mind and Wellness Office in the Student Success Hub.

Rainbow Connection
Loyalist offers positive space for alternative sexuality folk. We have a Rainbow Message Board for on-line communication and a weekly drop in group. Contact Valerie for more information.

Quit Smoking
Loyalist is affiliated with Leave The Pack Behind – an initiative developed by students at Brock U for students who are thinking about quitting or want to help a friend quit. Visit our weekly booth display in the cafeteria. Visit http://www.leavethepackbehind.org/ .

Health FX  
Health FX - a weekly blog for the on-line pioneer on a variety of wellness topics directly related to college students. Click here. 

Book an Appointment

For further help or information you can make an appointment with Valerie in Mind and Wellness Services through Jodie in the Student Success Hub at extension 2519.  

Contact

Valerie Geen, R.N.
Mental Health Nurse
(613) 969-1913 ext. 2675
vgeen@loyalistc.on.ca