Student Employees share their thoughts
October 10, World Mental Health Day, is a day to pause, check in with ourselves and each other, and remind ourselves that mental health matters. At VIU there are people, spaces and supports to help you stay healthy mentally and find connections and community. This World Mental Health Day, we asked a few Student Wellness Promoters and Peers from Thrive to share how they take care of their mental health, what campus spaces or events they recommend, and what reminders they’d like to give fellow students today.
How to relieve stress
Stress relief looks different depending on the situation, but one theme stood out: the importance of stepping away and taking time to reset.
Bernice shared that “taking time off to just breathe,” going for walks and spending time at the koi pond has helped during midterms. AJ agreed that the koi pond is the perfect stress-relieving space as “there’s something calming about watching them swim around, doing their thing, the colour, the movement…” AJ also plans ahead to ease anxiety: “Planning things ahead of time helps so I don't have as many things unknown ... I plan both for studies and for breaks.”
Others find comfort in connection or creativity. When Janhavi is stressed, she tries to be with people: “I hang out with friends, so I don’t feel alone in the situation.” For Jordan, journalling offers an outlet: “I like to go on walks, find a cute spot, listen to music and journal about my thoughts… it helps me get out of my own head.”
Sometimes, stress relief can come from simple comforts. “I go out for a coffee … does doomscrolling count?” as Shubangni asked.
Spaces and resources for connection
When it comes to finding connection and support, students mentioned a mix of spaces and activities around campus.
Janhavi recommends Culture Couch, where “you get to meet people from different places and backgrounds and everyone is open to being friends.” Bernice mentioned that students living in Student Housing can get involved through community events like movie nights organized by the Community Leaders, and that joining a club is an easy way to meet people with similar interests.
AJ and Shubangni both suggested taking advantage of relaxing and social spaces on campus, from the Wellness Lounge, Therapy Dogs and pub nights to quiet outdoor spots like the koi pond, where you can slow down and recharge between classes.
Jordan also highlighted Counselling Services as a supportive and welcoming space. Students can read counsellor bios online and choose who they’d feel most comfortable talking to. “If you’re having a tough time, they’re a friendly ear and a stranger, someone you can talk to when you don’t want your friends to know what’s going on.”
Messages for world mental health day
When asked what reminder they would share with students this World Mental Health Day, the answers were simple but heartfelt.
Janhavi wanted students to simply remember that “it’s going to be okay, really. You’re doing fine, you’re doing great.”
Shubangni reminds us to “Take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think.”
Bernice’s advice was short and honest: “It’s okay to have a bad mental health day.”
Jordan offered thoughtful words for anyone struggling: “Life’s hard. And I don't want you to think that you don't have support. Whether that's your friends, or whether that's an online support system. It's okay to ask someone, even if it's like a counselor or using the online resources where you're talking to strangers. No matter how bad it is, there is someone who's willing to listen to you.”
This World Mental Health Day, remember that VIU offers resources, spaces, and people ready to listen, including Thrive, Counselling Services, Student Wellness Peers and Promoters, and Culture Connections.