Dozens of Fanshawe College students were treated to free coffee, snacks and massages Wednesday, as part of the student union’s “Coffee and Chill” mental wellness event.
Knowing student stress is increasing every year, and especially high around midterms, Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) hosted the event to align with National Stress Awareness Day.
“Just to be doing something different, to chill out and calm down is nice,” said Larkin Knight, a massage therapy student, who stopped into Forwell Hall between classes.
Coffee station at FSU Coffee and Chill event (Credit: Daniel Thuss XFM News
Nicole Snobelen is the events and activities coordinator with FSU says students can get overwhelmed with assignments and exams.
“You can kind of see students are working hard and a lot of them are stressed in the hallways,” she said. “So we wanted to create a space in Forwell Hall for students to take a break, recharge and relax.”
Although midterms have passed for most students, some at the event said they are still feeling stressed.
Victoria Swigger (Credit: Daniel Thus XFM news)
“My mental health hasn’t been the best, but this gives me that mental break to compose myself,” said Victoria Swigger a Biotech student at Fanshawe. “The environment and massages help release stress for me.”
Larkin Knight (Credit: Daniel Thuss XFM news)
Some student still have midterms ahead of them.
“My mental health has been lacking but that’s more because of my lack sleep. If I’m not doing anything I feel like I should be studying,” said Knight. “I still have one more midterm to go and I’ve been stressed about it, this has helped me to relax and not worry about it.”
Coffee and Chill also included activities such as board games, bracelet making, colouring stations, massage therapy and mini glass blown animals.
Students face pressure
A report by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) stated that in 2022, 35.2 per cent of post secondary post-secondary students reported having received psychological or mental health services in the last 12 months.
They said the main reason for this is students face pressure from financial strain and burnouts. In 2024, they reported students aged 18-35 struggle with mental health challenges, 24 per cent of those considering suicide compared to the nation wide 14 per cent.
Canada mental health numbers over the years
Fanshawe services available
Fanshawe College has services for students and teachers who are dealing with mental health issues.
Fanshawe College Counselling Services provides one on one counselling with professional counsellors and help with stress, anxiety, depression and more.
Students can access support by going to Fanshawe College Student Support services.
