Getting through a hard week
When school and life pile up, make a plan for the next few hours and find someone who can help with the rest.
Start here
Make the next hour easier
Pick one thing that would make the next hour easier, such as getting something to eat, moving somewhere quieter, or texting someone you trust. Then write down the one deadline or responsibility you need to deal with today. Leave the rest on a separate list for now.
Put it into practice
Sort what needs attention today
Write down what is weighing on you and put a date beside anything with a deadline. Choose one thing to handle today and one thing you can move, shorten, or ask someone to help with. If a deadline is unclear, find out when it is before trying to finish everything at once.
Make one request early
If a deadline or commitment has become hard to manage, contact the person who can help you change it. Ask your instructor what to prioritize, your employer about a shift swap, or a friend to go with you to student services. You can explain what is hard to manage without sharing the details of your situation.
Choose one person to check in with
Think of someone you feel comfortable telling that this week is hard. Ask for something specific, like a ten-minute call after class or company while you make an appointment. If nobody comes to mind, look for peer support or a student services desk at your school.
Ask your school what’s available
Look up campus counselling or student wellness and ask about the first appointment, any same-day or after-hours options, and what to expect. If coursework is part of the problem, an academic adviser can help you understand your options and relevant deadlines. If you’re unsure which office to call, ask student services to connect you.
A missed class and a deadline tomorrow
You missed class today and have a paper due tomorrow, but you’re also dealing with something difficult at home. You could email your instructor to ask about the deadline, ask a friend to check in this evening, and call student wellness to see what appointments are available. Decide what you can realistically finish once you know more.
A message to campus wellness
“I’m having a hard week, and it’s affecting my ability to get to class and keep up with everyday things. What’s the soonest I could speak with someone? If there’s a wait, is there another service or a drop-in I can use this week?”
If you need help now
In Canada, call 911 if you’re in immediate danger or need urgent medical help. If you’re thinking about suicide or worried someone else may be, call or text 988 at any time. If you need support and the campus office is closed, use the Government of Canada directory below to find options in your province or territory.
Urgent help in CanadaResources to go further
- Canada’s 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988 around the clock if you’re thinking about suicide or concerned about someone else.
- Government of Canada mental health support directory
Find national, provincial, and territorial mental health services and crisis supports.
- Understanding stress from UBC Student Services
Recognize how stress shows up during school and read about options for student support.