Health and Counselling Centre
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NOTE: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health and Counselling Centre is now closed and will remain closed until September. We are offering phone support with a counsellor. If you are a student who already has an appointment scheduled with a counsellor, you can expect to hear from your counsellor by phone to discuss your needs during the period of the clinic closure. Other students who wish to access non-urgent mental health support via phone with a counsellor may email Ivan Drouin at idrouin@stfx.ca for more information. Students who wish to access online supports during the closure period should refer to the online and phone-based resources available through Healthy Minds NS (details below). For any coronavirus related inquiries, please go to the Nova Scotia Public Health Coronavirus website and follow their directions for self-assessment before calling 811. https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en
If you are a student currently experiencing an emergency, the following resources are available 24/7:
· Proceed to your nearest hospital emergency department
· Call 911
· NS Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167
· Good2TalkNS: 1-833-292-3698
· Crisis Text Line: text “GOOD2TALKNS” to 686868
Medical Resources for Students who are staying in Antigonish for the remainder of the term:
The regular after-hours clinics in Antigonish are closed. However, StFX students who need to see a doctor and DO NOT have a family physician can call 902-863-4558 for an appointment during regular office hours at the Mediplex Clinic. Please do not go to St. Martha’s Emergency Department for any non-emergency issues. Our community health care providers are extremely busy responding to the pandemic, and we should not be overloading the health care system unnecessarily.
Students may also access many health resources at any local pharmacy. Pharmacists are able to assess and treat many minor ailments, such as urinary tract infections, prescription refills, injections, allergies, skin conditions, etc. Many of these things can be done with no or minimal cost for NS residents. If a person is from out of province or international, cost may be approximately $25 (could be slightly less or more). For additional information regarding how pharmacists can help you, please access the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia website ( https://pans.ns.ca/public/pharmacy-services/assessing-prescribing-minor-ailments ).
Normally we would advise students to call 811 for assistance; however, at this time 811 is dedicated to COVID-19 response. The 811 website also has a library of online information you can access (https://811.novascotia.ca/search-health-topics/ )
Mindwell U now available across Nova Scotia
NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program is continuing to work on a series of online resources and tools to support individuals and families. Mindwell U is now available across Nova Scotia. Mindwell U is a free online program that takes just five minutes a day, and can be accessed anywhere and on any device. This self-guided program challenges you to take five minutes out of your day to learn the basics in mindfulness; the practice of paying attention to thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in the present moment through a gentle and nurturing lens. Each day you will complete a “Take 5” session during which you learn new mindfulness skills to improve your mental health. This practice lowers stress and increases resilience. The challenge also teaches ‘mindfulness-in-action’ so you don’t have to stop what you are doing to become calmer, present and more focused. To access this program please visit: https://app.mindwellu.com/novascotia
ICAN program launched
Earlier this week, the NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program launched ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) – Anxiety Program (18+ years of age) free of charge for people looking for help for anxiety and depression. The interactions are private and confidential and the program is offered through the Strongest Families Institute. https://login.strongestfamilies.com/folder/1963/
Note: ICAN is available to residents of Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan
Newfoundland and Labrador residents must be between the ages of 18-30. PEI, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia residents must be 18+
Strongest Families Institute also available
Strongest Families Institute is a charity that provides proven services to adults and families seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being. We provide timely care by teaching skills through our unique distance coaching approach – supporting clients over the phone and Internet in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Strongest Families provides client-centered care that is customized to their needs. To self-refer, go to: https://login.strongestfamilies.com/folder/1963/
Helpful Information:
- Challenging worries and anxious thoughts
- Dealing with problems in a structured way
- Talking to children about covid-19
For any additional inquiries related to the Health and Counselling Centre, please email Margie McKinnon, Director of Health, Counselling and Accessible Learning at mmckinno@stfx.ca
To learn more about HealthyMindsNS programs available at St. FX, visit https://healthymindsns.ca/stfx
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