Wellness Services triage nurse, Chantelle Fitton gets ready to do some work at the Lethbridge College health services room

Lethbridge College’s wellness services aim to encourage students to reach out during mental health crises.

With more than halfway into the semester, more students are experiencing an increase in stress and academic burnout. Chantelle Fitton, a Wellness Services triage nurse, says the college provides several opportunities to help the student’s as much as they can during this stressful time.

“Here at wellness services, we have counselling that is free and available to all students and their families. You can come in and speak with a triage nurse, or you can use the quiet room if you need a safe space to be alone or someone to talk to. We have physicians and psychiatrists available as well and we have our student support specialist who can help you navigate the systems.”

Fitton also touched on how students away from home can adjust into residence, make friends, and build community to help maintain a healthy state of mind.

“I would advise [students] to reach out and connect. There are lots of opportunities to connect on campus and get involved. There are clubs, the LCSA, and volunteer opportunities. If you don’t know where to go to start, you can come into wellness services and we can help connect you with some other places as well,” explained Fitton

Madi Nielsen, a first year nursing student who is currently living away from home for the first time shares that being the eldest child in her family played a significant role in her adjustment process.

“I didn’t have much concern in the beginning, because I’m the oldest child and I was pretty used to being independent. I was also fortunate enough to have a car down here so that definitely helped me,” said Nielsen

When asked about one of the main thing’s she has learned, she replied that it’s all about being the first one to walk up to a classmate or roommate and say hi

“The biggest thing I’ve learned since moving here is to take initiative with starting conversations, especially with getting to know my roommates for the first time.”

Although her transition to living away from home went quite smoothly, Nielsen shared that one of her main challenges was missing the little perks of being at home such as free laundry and having someone else to cook all the meals. 

The college’s wellness services can be accessed Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can connect and book an appointment through phone at 403-320-3289 or in person at room CE1380