Students clubs

Mental health

Mental health is an essential component of your well-being. It influences how you think, feel and behave. It also plays a key role in how you manage stress. Our peer wellness educators are trained to help you learn to manage your mental health.

Stress and anxiety

Stress

Stress is a natural state of worry in response to challenging situations and can help you meet daily demands. However, the way your respond to stress can affect both mental and physical well-being. For example, you may feel irritable, experience headaches or have trouble sleeping or concentrating. 

Anxiety

Anxiety serves as an internal warning system that helps you anticipate future threats through fight, flight or freeze responses. It’s not inherently negative — it’s a normal reaction to everyday events. Anxiety becomes a concern when it’s overwhelming or occurs unexpectedly.

Coping strategies 

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and adequate sleep
  • Establishing a daily routine to support time management and a sense of control
  • Taking time to relax and engage in self-care and leisure activities
  • Limiting alcohol and substance use
  • Approaching rather than avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, to strengthen confidence and resilience 
  • Recognizing stress and anxiety as normal experiences and seeking support when needed

Resources and support

Three girls

The University of Ottawa offers resources to support student mental health: 

Building resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt to challenges and recover from difficult experiences. You can develop it over time with practice and healthy coping strategies.

Building resilience involves: 

  • Maintaining healthy habits, including sleep, nutrition and exercise
  • Recognizing and limiting factors that affect resilience, such as poor sleep, unhealthy habits, excessive screen time or isolation
  • Identifying when stress affects your well-being
  • Reflecting on what you can and can’t control
  • Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth
  • Seeking support when needed

Burnout and signs

Student in classroom

Burnout is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by chronic stress.

Signs can include:

  • Persistent fatigue or difficulty completing tasks
  • Loss of motivation or interest in academics and activities
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Withdrawal from others or emotional detachment 
  • Increased irritability or relationship conflicts
  • Feeling overwhelmed or cynical

Recognizing these signs can help you take steps to support your well-being.

Self-care

Self-care

Self-care refers to regular practices that support overall well-being.

  • Physical: healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and medical care
  • Psychological: taking breaks, hobbies, journaling, limiting distractions and expressing emotions
  • Spiritual: reflecting on values, connecting with nature, meditation and meaningful activities
  • Emotional: relaxation techniques, gratitude and positive self-talk

When to seek support

people talking

Stress and anxiety are common, but ongoing distress or changes in thoughts, emotions or behaviours may require additional support. 

Seek help if you experience difficulty coping, changes in daily functioning or persistent distress.

Contact us

Student general inquiries

Phone : 613-562-5777

Email : [email protected]

Faculty and staff general inquiries

[email protected] for wellness support for students. 

Contact information for a workplace absence, accommodation request, or ergonomic assessment