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Indicators of Distress  Early Alert Process   Counselling Services Wellness Workshops   Recovery on Campus Let's Talk Wellness Podcast

Student life can be challenging in many ways, but you do not have to face it alone. Keyano College has resources to support your mental health and well-being. Keyano students can get direct access to free, confidential counselling through Wellness Services.

Wellness Services is located at the Clearwater Campus, room 260.  We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closing for lunch from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Learn how to book an appointment and access other support resources. 

Colours Through My Storm

 

Colours Through My Storm is about you... or someone you care about. We've all had those stormy days where it's difficult to see when the storm will pass. If you've experienced this or recognize that your friend is struggling, don't hesitate - be the support they need, or have the courage to seek the help you need. Keyano College will help you see the light through the storm and put you and your loved ones' mental wellbeing at forefront.

Indicators of Distress

Understanding the indicators of distress is crucial in identifying students who may need support. These indicators can manifest in various ways, including a decline in academic performance, irregular attendance, social withdrawal, changes in physical appearance, or expressions of hopelessness and anxiety. Recognizing these signs early allows us to intervene and provide the necessary resources and support to help students navigate their challenges effectively.

 Academic
  • Repeated absences
  • Decline in quality of work or classroom performance
  • Essay or creative work that indicate disturbing content including extreme hopelessness, social isolation, rage or despair
  • Classroom disruptions
 Physical
  • Marked changes in physical appearance including deterioration in grooming, hygiene or weight loss/gain, changes in typical clothing
  • Excessive fatigue, nodding off 
  • Intoxication, hung over, or smelling of alcohol
  • Appearing sick or ill, repeated reports of headache of digestive problems
 Personal/Interpersonal
  • Tearfulness
  • Expressions of hopelessness or shame
  • Exaggerated personality traits (e.g. more withdrawn, animated, or irritated than usual)
  • Direct comment abut distress, family problems, or other difficulties
  • Expression of concern by other classmates or peers
 Indicators of Risk
  • Implied or direct threats of self-harm to self or others
  • Self-injurious or destructive (out of control) behaviour
  • Written work that is dominated by themes of despair, hopelessness, suicide, violence, death or aggression

 

Early Alert Process

Students may face various challenges at home, at work, or at the College during their academic year. These challenges can have a big impact on their academic success. 

The EARLY ALERT PROCESS is a referral process to proactively identify students at risk. This new process will help students be better supported, ensure that they have a better chance for success and increase student retention. 

 How does the Early Alert Process work?
  1. Refer a student for a check-in call.
  2. Once we receive the referral, a Mental Health Coordinator will connect with you within one business day to follow-up on the reason for referral. 
  3. The student will be contacted for a check-in call. We do not mention the name of the person who made the referral. This information will be kept confidential. 
  4. The student will then be referred to the appropriate support resources. 
  5. If you make a referral to the Early Alert Process after hours, you will be contacted the next business day.
 How to refer?

Please email wellness.services@keyano.ca to refer a student or for an individual consultation regarding a student. 

 

Please call Jane at +1-780-792-5604 or Natali at +1-780-791-8926. 
 Resources

Wellness Services has created a webinar to explain the Early Alert Process which will aid you in responding to students in distress. The webinar's link is below for you to watch at your convenience. The webinar will discuss indicators of distress an how and where to refer. 

Watch the webinar

 

Counselling Services

Mental Health Coordinators  Book An Appointment  After Hours Support 

Mental Health Coordinators

Our qualified team of mental health specialists is here to support you.

Some common issues we've helped with include:

  • Adapting to life in Canada
  • ADHD Coaching
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Loneliness
  • Perfectionism
  • Personal identity
  • Relationship problems
  • Self harm
  • Sexual identity
  • Social anxiety
  • Test anxiety

 

woman smiling

Natali Levasseur, Registered Psychologist

Natali is a registered psychologist with 31 years of experience in clinical and school psychology. Fluent in French and English, Natali promotes mental health and wellness, leads many researched-based program at Keyano College. She is integrating community services into Keyano College for the past three years.

She was awarded the 2016 Bea Wickett Award from the Psychology Foundation of Canada and the 2015 Workplace Wellness Award from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for her contributions to education, mental health and the workplace. Natali is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR, Complex Trauma, and Grief and Loss. She is also a certified ADHD Coach. 

Learn more about ADHD Coaching with Natali.

 

woman smiling

Dr. Jane Barter, PhD, MSW, RSW

Jane is a Registered Social Worker, MSW. As the former Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Wood Buffalo, Jane brings 21 years of expertise and leadership in mental health and wellness. Jane is the 2016 recipient of CMHA's President Award for Exemplary Service and was awarded both a Leadership Award and Instructor of the Year by College of the North Atlantic.

As a Registered Social Worker, provincial CMHA Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, and psychosocial coordinator of services for Aboriginal Communities and emergency responders, she is passionate about bringing wellness to all. Jane instructs post-secondary mental health literacy, promotes psychosocial well-being, and supports the college student association to promote health and wellness across campus. Jane is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR, Complex Trauma, and Grief and Loss.

 

Book an appointment

You can book online, call, email or visit us in person to book a counselling appointment, access resources or get more information.

Phone: 780-791-8934
Toll-free: 1-800-251-1408

 

After hours support

If you are in immediate danger – about to seriously harm yourself or someone else – please call 911. If you are on campus, call Campus Security at 780-791-4911.

You can use the following support services any time if you are experiencing stress, emotional distress, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, violence or sexual assault. Caring support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental health
  • Mental Health Help Line – 1-877-303-2642
  • SOS 24/7 Crisis Line – 780-743-4357

Violence and sexual assault

All members of the College community have the right to learn, work, teach, and live in an environment where they are free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence.  Keyano College is dedicated to investigating complaints that impact the rights of all individuals and will hold accountable individuals who contravene our Sexual Violence Policy or other relevant policies.

 

  • Victim Services – 780-788-4250
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 780-791-6708
  • Family Violence Crisis Line – 780-743-1190
  • SOS 24/7 Crisis Line – 780-743-4357

Community resources
  • 211 Alberta (confidential access to all community resources) – Dial 211
National Eating Disorder Information Centre

NEDIC is the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, and is a free resource to help students who are living with and affected by eating disorders. This is a free Canadian toll-fee helpline, and can be accessed via phone or instant chat service. 

 

 

Recovery on Campus  

ROC logoWhen you’re struggling with substance use or problematic ongoing behaviours, it can feel like you’re on your own. That lack of connection to people who understand what you’re going through can be a real barrier to recovery.

Recovery on Campus (ROC) IS AN Alberta – wide initiative that not only supports but celebrates recovery. The group welcomes students, faculty, and staff, so if you’re on campus, you have a place here.

If you would like to meet with our peer support, please e-mail wellness.services@keyano.ca .  Our peer support is a safe space for people to explore their relationship with addiction in a confidential and free way. We believe in multiple pathways to increased health including peer support groups and development your individual health goals.

Campus Recovery is Possible. For more information please contact wellness.services@keyano.ca 

 

 

Wellness Services workshops

Below you will find workshops available to students, staff, and faculty.

Mindfulness 30 Minute Workshops 

When teaching mindfulness workshops and speaking with students, this is something I often hear. The hecticness of life makes it hard to slow down and build a meditation practice.

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judging it. The practice helps us reduce stress, regulate thinking and emotions, boost working memory and focus, and improve our relationship satisfaction.

While social distancing measures create many different challenges for us, perhaps we can use this as an opportunity to relate with the present moment differently.

In this workshop, you will:

  • Learn about the foundational attitudes of mindfulness
  • Practice guided meditations
  • Engage in online discussion

This workshop is open to current students, staff, and faculty.

Workshops will be every Wednesday from 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m., beginning on September 9, 2020.

 
Mindfulness Group 5 Sessions 

Why mindfulness? Mindfulness can reduce stress, anxiety, increase performance, and help us regulate our emotions.

Join your peers in this 5-week course on mindfulness. In this course you will learn about different ways in which we can practice and incorporate mindfulness in our everyday life through common teaching’s, guided meditation, debriefing your experiences, and sharing with others.

This group is open to current Keyano students only. Students are encouraged to attend all five sessions.

Group sessions will begin on Tuesday September 15, 2020 at 12 p.m. -1 p.m., and will run every Tuesday for five weeks.
Stress and Anxiety Management Workshop 

Is your daily stress feeling overwhelming?

Learn strategies to develop a stress mindset and explore healthy coping skills in this 50-minute workshop.

This will be offered to all students, staff, and faculty. All sessions will be offered through zoom and each session will be the same.

 

  

 

Let's Talk Wellness - Podcast

We're thrilled to launch our new podcast, "Let's Talk Wellness." Dive into our very first episode, "Navigating the Mental Health Continuum," where we explore the essence of mental health, its significance in our daily lives, and understanding the Mental Health Continuum. Tune in as we unravel how mental well-being helps us cope with life's stresses, enhances productivity, and enriches our community contributions.

Season 1

Episode 1 - Navigating the Mental Health Continuum

What does mental health mean to you? Join us as we delve into the complexities of mental well-being in our debut episode, "Navigating the Mental Health Continuum." This episode offers insights into the definition of mental health and its crucial role in our ability to handle daily stresses, remain productive at work, and make meaningful contributions to our communities. We also explore the Mental Health Continuum, a tool that helps us understand the range of mental health experiences from healthy to ill. Subscribe to our channel for more insightful episodes.
 Episode 2 - Wellness Blueprint: Balancing Campus and Home Life

In this episode, we explore the importance of a wellness plan for college students, focusing on balancing responsibilities, physical and mental health, and academic performance. Learn five key strategies to enhance your well-being, including defining your well-being, establishing healthy sleep habits, identifying college resources, regular evaluation, and having a backup plan.
 Special Episode - Suicide Prevention

Welcome to "Let's Talk Wellness with Dr. Jane Barter." In this important episode, "Suicide Prevention," Dr. Barter discusses recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts and actions and provides valuable tips on how to help someone in need.

 

 

Episode Highlights:

Identifying indirect, direct, situational, and behavioural clues. How to ask the right questions and offer support. Providing hope and getting others involved. Steps for making referrals and getting help. Important

 

Resources:

Immediate danger: Call 911.

Keyano students: Visit wellness services in room CC 260, email wellness.services@keyano.ca, or make an appointment with a mental health coordinator.

Keyano staff: Contact the employee assistance program or speak to a mental health coordinator. Fort McMurray Mental Health Clinic is located at 339 Powder Drive and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Canada-wide suicide prevention helpline: 988 Kids Help Phone: Text 686868

Immediate help for Indigenous peoples: Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca

 

Take a deep breath and remember, you matter. If you or someone you know is struggling, please ask for help. Subscribe to our channel for more episodes of "Let's Talk Wellness with Dr. Jane Barter" and join us in promoting mental health awareness and support.
 Episode 3 - Twisted Truths: unraveling Disordered Thinking

In "Twisted Truths: Unraveling Distorted Thinking," the third episode of "Let's Talk Wellness with Doctor Jane," Dr. Jane Barter explores how distorted thinking patterns affect our mental health.

She discusses:

1 - Types of Cognitive Distortions: Including all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing.

2 - Practical Solutions: Techniques like cognitive restructuring and mindfulness help reframe these negative thoughts.

3 - Real-World Examples: How these methods can be applied to improve mental well-being in everyday life.

 

Dr. Jane provides clear explanations and actionable advice to help viewers recognize and correct their distorted thinking.