New Wellness Centre features holistic approach to student health

Going to university is a huge transition for students in their late teens and twenties, and according to recent studies, the number of students struggling with anxiety and depression is on the increase.

A new Wellness Centre at Lakehead University - Orillia opened recently, not only to help those students who may be experiencing stress overload from this transition, but to promote overall wellness throughout the University community.

Personal counselling is one of the services offered as part of the Wellness Centre's holistic approach to student health. "We have put together a unique team of professionals, with a focus on prevention," says Frank Cappadocia, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs.

Deb Stephens and Jim Wylie are the Centre's Personal Counsellors, and are helping students to manage problems before they interfere with their achievement or enjoyment of the university experience.

"We're here to generate the concept of wellness at the school," says Wylie. On a part-time basis, Stephens and Wylie offer a wide range of information and self-help direction, as well as short term counselling and referrals to community resources.

Both counsellors have extensive experience working with children and adults through private practice and with community organizations. Wylie currently works with the Community Mental Health Program at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, while Stephens works as a Youth and Family Therapist at New Path Youth and Family Services in Orillia, as well as running her own private practice.

Stephens says that many of the students she sees are experiencing anxiety caused by a variety of factors. "Student anxiety can be triggered by academic worries or fear about how to fit in and make friends, how to manage on a limited income and many other situations," she explains. "Some students have existing mental health issues that have not been treated or they may be experiencing a family breakdown, relationship problems or be trying to cope as a single parent."

"The impact of the transition to university can be intense," says Wylie. "It's a bit of a roller coaster ride - the initial move, meeting new people, exam times, managing new freedoms - it all adds up to an increased level of stress."

Wylie sees his work with Lakehead's new Wellness Centre as an opportunity to help develop the kind of university atmosphere that has a positive impact on students and is conducive to learning. "I am looking forward to helping to maximize the tremendous potential these students have," says Wylie.

"If we can help make the Lakehead experience a positive one," adds Stephens, "then we are not only helping individual students, but also supporting student retention at the University."

Stephens and Wylie also work with other professionals at the Centre to provide services to students. "We are one of the first universities in the country to provide the services of a naturopathic doctor," says Cappadocia. "We also have two non-denominational chaplains and our Elder-in-Residence, Ernie Sandy, who provides Aboriginal support and teachings."

Katie Fraser, Lakehead - Orillia's Health Education and Promotions Assistant (left), and Personal Counsellor, Deb Stephens, promote the services of the new Wellness Centre at the University Avenue campus.

The Wellness Centre's naturopathic services are offered by Andrea Rudy, who also operates a private clinic in Midhurst. Rudy explains that naturopathic medicine is very well suited to the university environment. "Most of the health challenges faced by students relate to stress management and diet," says Rudy. "Naturopathic medicine is very good in these areas. Most people with stress and dietary problems benefit from naturopathic treatment."

Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. "This age group [university students] is generally aware of preventive medicine," says Rudy. "They don't want to be taking medication if there are alternatives." Rudy says she would look forward to working with general practitioners as well. The Wellness Centre hopes to involve the services of medical doctors in the future.

Services of the Wellness Centre are open to all students (at both the University Avenue and Downtown Orillia campuses), as well as faculty and staff. While counselling services and visits with the Elder-in-Residence and chaplains are free of charge, naturopathic services are offered at reduced rates. Students can be reimbursed for some of the cost through their student or family health insurance plans.

In addition to individual one-on-one consultations, the Wellness Centre also offers workshops and information sessions that are free of charge and open to all students, staff and faculty. Recent events have included a Personal Safety Workshop for Women, and "Stress Busters" and "Exam Anxiety" workshops. Next week, a series of Aboriginal teachings will begin with Elder-in-Residence, Ernie Sandy.

Find out more about the Wellness Centre here.