How do you know when something is wrong?

We don't all have the same capacity for resilience in the face of life's trials. Sometimes we feel like we're doing well although our loved ones might see it differently. To know that things are not going well, you have to be able to recognise it, that's the first step. There is an awareness that something is "wrong" even if we can’t pinpoint it. Then, it is important to talk about our feelings to someone we trust, to our loved ones, to peers or to a professional, provided that the other person knows how to show empathy and can eventually provide support in some form.

Have you changed your operations as a result of COVID to better meet the needs of our students? 

We have adapted our sessions to be conducted online, offered workshops to take care of yourself and others, and arranged debriefing sessions for those who are particularly anxious about COVID. We are very responsive to students' needs and willingly adapt to requests.

Do you have any advice on how to better manage our mental health during this crisis?

Try to keep a healthy mind and a healthy body despite the circumstances. This means taking good care of ourselves, so going out and observing our limitations but also our resources and accepting that we don't understand everything. Dare to talk about feelings, ask questions, remove the taboo of "I have to be perfect" and learn to identify how far you can help yourself and when you really need help.

Our psychologists are members of the AGPsy Association and work closely with Student Wellbeing & Support to address the concerns of our students, who can benefit from up to five free sessions per semester. 

Learn more about the "Psychological and medical support" offered at the Institute. 

For other resources regarding wellness, visit our "Wellbeing and Support Service" page.