Durham College leads the way in mental health with on-campus services and in-demand programs

As a college student, you have a lot on your plate.

From juggling course assignments, lectures, labs and research papers, to squeezing in study time and working your part-time job – it’s a lot! And it’s easy to not give your mental health the attention it deserves. But at Durham College (DC), a number of on-campus services and resources aim at making mental health less of an after-thought and more of a priority.

DC’s Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) provides mental health services that begin with a mental health needs assessment. Based on the results of this assessment, you’re connected with an appropriate member from a team of medical professionals who practice mental health, psychotherapy, and wellness coaching. You also have access to a variety of convenient and confidential well-being services on campus, a pharmacy and medical clinic.

Additionally, you can reap the benefits of free on-campus wellness workshops, events, and support groups through the CHWC that include topics such as yoga, mindfulness, body image and food, and relationship building.

International students are encouraged to check out DC’s complimentary International Wellness Check – designed to make your transition to post-secondary education easier by discussing any health concerns you may have and ensuring you’re up to date on immunizations required for your program.

If you’re looking for on-going counselling services or simply a trusted professional to talk to about your academics, DC’s Access and Support Centre has you covered.

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Are you ready to take your passion for mental health to the next level?

As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, the need for qualified practitioners is becoming more important than ever, and DC is answering the call. The new Community Mental Health – Honours Bachelor program was designed to equip future mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed in today’s world.

DC’s Addictions and Mental Health (graduate certificate) program is also available to prepare future mental health professionals for careers as counsellors and support workers.

Apply today and begin this September!


Stay healthy at Durham College with our Wellness Directory

We are here to support all members of our Durham College community. Whether you’re a student or an employee, we want to help you be the best and healthiest version of yourself.

With the recent launch of our new Wellness Directory, we’ve put all of our wellness supports and resources at your fingertips. They’re organized by the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, occupational, social, mental, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial. Whatever challenges you’re facing, you’ll find everything you need to manage them with confidence.

Here’s a brief look at each dimension, and how we’re here to help you with each one.

Physical wellness

It’s hard to overstate the importance of taking care of your body. Exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy sleep habits are just some of the important factors that contribute to your physical wellness.

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You can get (and stay) healthy by working out at the Fitness Centre, ensure your nutritional needs are being met at the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) Food Bank, or learn more about wellness at the Campus Rec Resource Library.

Occupational wellness

It’s important to maintain a balance between your work (as a student or professional) and the rest of your life. When you’re in class or at your office, your focus should be on doing your work to the best of your ability. But at the end of the day, you should leave your work behind you and make the most of your leisure time by doing the things that bring you joy and satisfaction.

We have a number of resources that help both students and employees perfect their work/life balance, from Career Development to our range of Employee Supports.

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Social wellness

Are you engaged with your community? Do you have healthy relationships with people who support you and give you a sense of belonging? Learning how to communicate respectfully and relate to all kinds of people is critical for your social well-being.

The DCSA offers students lots of opportunities to get involved, from events to support groups. Our employees have options too, whether they’re just starting their career with us or bringing it to a close.

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Mental wellness

Mental health encapsulates everything from your emotional state to the way you think and feel about the world and your place in it. As we face all of life’s challenges, good mental health allows us to understand, manage and accept our emotions and behaviours.

Are you okay? We want to know. Take part in our Better Together Series, make an appointment to speak to a professional at the Campus Health Centre or visit our Wellness Den.

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Spiritual wellness

Do you feel connected to your culture or community? Is spirituality and religion important to you? It’s important to find a sense of meaning and purpose in your life, no matter where it comes from.

Prayer rooms are available on our campuses for those who wish to make use of them. The First Peoples Indigenous Centre offers opportunities to learn important lessons about history and reconciliation.

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Intellectual wellness

As an institute of higher learning, DC offers many ways for you to expand your knowledge and promote your self-development and self-discovery. Effective goal setting and time management are crucial to your success.

A number of resources are available to help you develop these important skills, from the Institute of Student Leadership and Peer Tutoring to Prep 1000, DC’s online first-year student experience course.

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Environmental wellness

At DC, we want to provide you with welcoming, engaging environments that positively support your well-being. Whether you’re outside interacting with nature or studying indoors, you deserve to feel safe and content.

We are committed to providing safe spaces on our campuses, from Residence to Student Study Spaces and our Wellness Den.

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Financial wellness

Whether you’re a student paying your tuition or an employee supporting your family, matters of finance are bound to be on your mind. Maintaining a healthy relationship between your goals and your financial obligations is crucial to being financially healthy.

Our budget calculator can help you live within your means. Financial Aid and Awards are available for students in need of assistance.

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To learn more about DC’s commitment to your health, see our mental health and well-being framework.