All students at all campus locations are welcome to access support from our professional and registered counsellors. Red River College Polytechnic counsellors can help you work through personal struggles, develop skills to manage better, and improve your wellbeing.

Learn more about this confidential service and book an appointment in-person or online. You can also visit during drop-in hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-4:00pm.

Early Assist is a confidential online platform that provides the RRC Polytech community, including faculty, staff and students, an opportunity to identify students who may be struggling personally (non-academic), so that staff can offer them appropriate support and services at an early stage. Learn more about the platform.

MindBeacon is customized digital therapy, guided by a mental health professional. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, MindBeacon can empower you to deal with life’s challenges. You’ll develop strong coping skills and techniques with guidance from a registered therapist. Now available for free (with a referral) for Red River College Polytechnic students, MindBeacon can help with mood, anxiety, attention, and insomnia.

Visit any of the following around campus to request a referral:

• Campus Mental Health Specialist
• Student Counselling Services
• Indigenous Student Support Team
• International Student Support
• Academic Success Centre
• Regional Campus Student Success Coaches

MindShift CBT is a free self-help anxiety relief app, that helps you reduce worry, stress, and panic by following evidence-based strategies. Using CBT tools, you can challenge negativity, learn more about anxiety, develop more effective ways of thinking, be mindful, and relax.

Students registered in the Health and Dental Plan have insurance coverage for counselling or therapy with a psychologist or social worker, as well as massage from a registered massage therapist.

Psychologists can help with a wide variety of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, panic, depression, and attention problems. You can find a psychologist in the MPS Psychologist Directory.

To speak to someone about your benefits or find forms, visit the RRCSA Student Benefits Plan Office.

Due to our northern latitude, many Manitobans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), while others experience a milder form of winter blues. SAD is a form of depression that occurs mostly during the fall and winter months, when days shorten and sunlight decreases. Light therapy, sitting near a specialized light each day, is one form of treatment.

This is why several campus libraries now have light therapy stations. Ask library staff to direct you to the light therapy options nearest you.

In addition to the stations, you may also reserve a portable light box through the Library’s Equipment Shopping Cart system. Begin by selecting your preferred location below (log in with RRC Polytech credentials may be required).

• Notre Dame Campus
• Exchange District Campus

The RRC Polytech Library has a special collection of books and other resources to support student and staff well-being. Check out the titles and borrow those that interest you.

If you need support or want to learn more about your mental health, connecting with community organizations like Canadian Mental Health Association is a great place to start.

If you experience difficulties with:

• Anxiety: Visit the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba.
• Mood (eg. Depression): Visit the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.
• Psychosis: Visit Peer Connections.
• Body image or eating disorders: visit The Women’s Health Clinic
• Alcohol or drug use problems: Visit Alcoholics Anonymous or Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
• Gender or sexual orientation concerns: Visit Rainbow Resource Centre.

Self-management strategies can be very helpful. Here are some breathing and relaxation techniques you may want to try:

• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Visualization

Explore the Mental Health Education Resource Centre E-library with over 6,500 books relating to mental health. Find all the resources here.