Students at the University of Saskatchewan are being grateful for having a residential counseling program inside the campus.
Scheduling an appointment with the residential counselor
Seeking counsel support is not an easy task for any student, which is why a good counselor should always make their clients feel welcomed and comfortable right there and then at the first meeting.
Mr. Ryan Bilanski of the University of Saskatchewan is the sole residential counselor of the whole campus. He caters to almost 100 different students a month. Just last September, 91 students have consulted for his help.
According to Ryan, it is essential to get the students to feel comfortable.
I usually offer them a cup of coffee to ease things up. I just want them to make themselves feel at home. No pressure. Ease up on the aggression.
It is the job of the residential counselor to help students who are having a hard time adjusting to university life to be away from mental health issues like depression and excessive anxiety.
Taking that first step inside that door is the hardest part for anyone suffering from mental health issues. I remember one kid saying this to me,
I walked past your office for more than 2 months until I finally decided to make that brave step in. Now, I am grateful that I made that step and will always remember that moment for the rest of my life.
Hard time adjusting with alone time in the university
Most of Bilanski’s patrons are those who are having a hard time adjusting with alone time in the university. Freshmen from rural communities staying at university dorms and Ph.D.s coming from other countries are most likely the victims of depression and low self-esteem.
Andres Barrera, Student life coordinator shared in a statement,
The univeristy created Bilanski’s position to ensure students that we are giving out our full support not just academically but also mentally.
The resident counseling program was created as a response to the growing concern about the increase of university and college students experiencing mental health issues. From 2012 to 2017, the number of mental health issues reported on university campuses in Ontario has more than doubled.
University officials are doing their utmost efforts to help resolve mental health issues on campuses by designating residential counselors on university campuses.
