Mental Health Support and Resources

The Breathing Space

This student wellness space, located in Doon 1A107, is home to the Peer Support Navigator. It is a quiet place on campus for students to take a break. The room is stocked with stress-busting activities and runs wellness focused, drop-in groups throughout the week.

Please note: Due to current public health actions being taken regarding COVID-19, The Breathing Space is closed and drop-in groups are currently on hold until further notice. For information on mental health supports available during this time please visit our counselling services page.

The Breathing Space is open Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4pm.

Self help

Self help refers to techniques students can employ to maintain their own wellness. Another way of framing this is self-care. The Breathing Space is a great space to practice self help and our peer support navigator is here to help provide guidance.

For more self help ideas please visit our mental health resources page.

Peer Support

What is peer support?

Peer support is mental health and substance use service provided by an individual who has lived experience with these subjects. It focuses on building connections and sharing wellness tools and stratgies. It is generally more relaxed and socially focused than counselling services, and can occur one-on-one or in a group setting.

Accessing peer support and self help at Conestoga
A Canadian Mental Health Association peer support navigator is located in The Breathing Space, and is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:00pm.

Students are welcome to drop by for a indivudal appointments, or to join one of the many weekly peer support wellness and mental health drop-in groups - no registration or commitment required! Check out our mental health resource section for a sample calendar of events.

Help a student

Are you worried about a friend's well-being? Often asking them if they need someone to talk to, and taking the time to listen, is a great first step to providing them with help. We suggest connecting with the Peer Support Navigator for advice, or encouraging your friend to connect with one of the on-campus wellness services.

If you are concerned your friend is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, please refer to our Emergency and Crisis Care information.

If you are a Conestoga faculty or staff member who is concerned about a student, please refer to the Student Success Services faculty resources and student referral section.

Off-campus mental health supports for students

Good2Talk provides free and confidential support services for all Ontario post-secondary students, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Dial 1-866-925-5454 to talk, or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 to access professional counselling, and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.
Here247 is an addictions, mental health and crisis services hotline for individuals in Waterloo and Wellington regions. They help navigate community mental health, recovery and medical services.

Phone them anytime at 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247).