Mental Health

At Ambrose, we care about your well-being. Because people are so complex, it is important to take care of ourselves in multiple ways. Life, especially as a student, can get pretty complicated, so learning to incorporate good strategies to take care of your well-being is crucial for your health.

Tracey Urquhart MA, BA
Wellness Coordinator
Telephone: 403-410-2925
Email: tracey.urquhart@ambrose.edu
wellness@ambrose.edu
Location: Student Life, Second Floor, A2014

Counselling Services

We seek to provide a variety of options for times and options for counsellors on campus.

We hope that seeing a counsellor will help you achieve your goals and help you succeed as a student and in life.

Crisis Support

Sometimes life issues come up and you do not have the time to wait for an appointment to see a counsellor. If this happens, Ambrose has staff onsite that will help to walk with you through a crisis situation and help determine the next steps to take.

Online Support

Ambrose students have free access to online mental health and wellness platforms. These platforms allow you to connect with mental health professionals, as well as provide tools and education on mental health and wellness.

Peer Health Educators

Peer Health Educators (PHEs) help to raise awareness around mental health and wellness through various programming and events. PHEs are also trained to provide free, confidential wellness advising and checks for current Ambrose students.

What is mental health and wellness?

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a "state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community". Actively pursuing wellness can help to improve your mental health. It is important to consider wellness as a holistic picture, and it can include areas such as spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual/academic and social well-being. To help you work in these areas, Ambrose Wellness Office is striving to provide opportunities for you to participate in enhancing your well-being.

What is mental illness or a mental health problem?

"Mental illnesses are health problems that affect the way we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us. They affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mental illnesses can disrupt a person’s life or create challenges, but with the right supports, a person can get back on a path to recovery and wellness" (Canada Mental Health Association). Mental illnesses are often diagnosed by a psychologist or health care professional and can include things like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and so on. Practicing wellness can help to improve well-being for those living with a mental illness.

What should I do if I'm struggling with my mental health?

While we know it can be unsettling dealing with mental health issues, its important that you know that you are not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience with a mental health problem in any given year. In a survey conducted in 2019 at Ambrose, 63.6% of students felt overwhelming anxiety and 44.4% report feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function. We want to ensure that you feel supported and that you are aware of the options available to you. If you have not already, talk to a family doctor about some of the things you have been experiencing. If you are not presently seeing a therapist, Ambrose has counsellors available throughout the week. We would also recommend you check out the online mental health supports, as well as connecting with a Peer Health Educator for a wellness check-in. If you have an existing diagnosis, or have been noticing that it has been impacting your academic work, we recommend you get in touch with Student Academic Success

How can I support someone who is struggling with their mental health?

If you notice someone on campus who is struggling with their mental health, we encourage you to connect with them and offer them your support. If you believe they are needing immediate support, please connect with Student Life, a staff member who has training in ASIST or Mental Health First Aid, or call the Distress Centre at 403.266.HELP (4357). Check out Be There by Jack.org for tips on how to offer support to a friend.

Sexual Violence Response and Awareness

If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, you will find support at Ambrose. Ambrose Community Advocates, faculty, key staff and student leaders are trained to receive disclosures and to support students who have experienced sexual violence. Please visit this page for an updated list of Community Advocates, as well as what resources are available and how to support a friend who has disclosed an experience of sexual violence to you.

Community Health and Wellness Services

For support outside of Ambrose such as medical and mental health emergencies, as well as counselling, assistance with addictions, domestic violence, eating disorders, and pregnancy support, visit Community Health Services.