University is hard—and you don’t have to do it alone. There are mental health supports that you might not know about.

The Hidden Weight of University Life

Students often carry invisible burdens:

• Academic pressure: The fear of failure, perfectionism, imposter syndrome.

• Financial stress: Tuition, rent, food insecurity, and the guilt of asking for help.

• Social strain: Making friends, maintaining relationships, dealing with loneliness or rejection.

• Identity shifts: Questioning values, sexuality, career paths, and family roles.

These challenges aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs you’re growing. But growth doesn’t have to be solitary.

Psychotherapy Is Often Already in Your Benefits

Here’s something many students don’t know: psychotherapy is often covered in your student health plan. And some universities do it exceptionally well.

If you’re at:

• University of Ottawa

• Queen’s University

• University of Toronto

…you likely have access to generous psychotherapy coverage, including multiple sessions with licensed therapists, online platforms, and wellness resources. These schools have made mental health a priority—and it shows.

Other universities also have support -- it’s worth checking your student union or health plan. Even a few sessions can make a meaningful difference.

Why Accessing Help Matters

Therapy isn’t just for when things fall apart. It’s for:

• Building emotional resilience

• Learning to set boundaries

• Processing grief, anxiety, or trauma

• Exploring identity and values

• Creating space to breathe, reflect, and recalibrate

Students who access therapy often report better sleep, improved focus, healthier relationships, and a deeper sense of self. It’s not a magic fix—but it’s a powerful tool.

What You Can Do Today

• Check your university’s health plan or student union website for mental health benefits.

• If you’re in Ontario and want off-campus support, LivingRoom Wellness offers psychotherapy tailored to young adults navigating transitions.

  
  

University is a chapter of becoming. Let’s make sure it’s not written in isolation.

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