Covid-19 is causing widespread distress, according to Charl Davids, deputy director of the Centre for Student Counselling and Development. PHOTO: Unsplash/Jeshoots
Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) has moved their counselling sessions and services online, committing to support SU students during the global pandemic.
According to the CSCD’s deputy director, Charl Davids, the Covid-19 pandemic is causing widespread distress and with the world in a global crisis, it negatively affects mental health.
The CSCD, which moved their services online on 4 May, acknowledges that it is a very challenging time, said Davids, adding that taking care of one’s mental health and wellbeing is important.
While CSCD cannot see or counsel students face-to-face, the CSCD continues to offer confidential virtual counselling sessions, said Davids.
“We use Microsoft Teams for the group sessions, while we use the telephone, Zoom, Skype, Teams and WhatsApp video for the individual sessions. The format all depends on what the student has access to and what they feel more comfortable with,” said Davids.
According to Davids, the centre has received positive feedback from students that are utilising the services.
They currently have an average of 70 individual therapy sessions per week, with 180 participants taking part in the skills groups, said Davids. These numbers are increasing steadily, he said.
The Centre for Student Counselling and Development continues to offer students support and the necessary tools to help students deal with the current Covid-19 circumstances. PHOTO: Unsplash/Gabriel Benois
One SU student, Tashreeq Raziet, said he is appreciative of the CSCD’s efforts during this time.
“It is great that there are people who are showing interest in students’ mental healthcare and that there are channels we can make use of if we feel the need to,” he said.
The centre encourages students who feel overwhelmed, or who are experiencing poor mental health to make use of their services.
Another SU student, who asked to remain anonymous, said that this service has been essential when feeling overwhelmed with the heavy workload.
“I am glad that I am still able to continue with my sessions. These services have helped me to deal with my feelings in a much healthier manner,” the student said.
Alongside confidential counselling sessions, the CSCD is also offering students the opportunity to participate in a new psychological skills training group. It will be facilitated by professionally trained psychologists, counsellors and final year clinical psychology masters students.
The skills taught in these sessions are grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy and will assist participants in dealing with depression and anxiety, Davids said.
By contacting the CSCD on (021) 808 4707 or supportus@sun.ac.za, a counsellor, psychologist or social worker will be in direct contact with a way forward. While the 24-hour Emergency Service, in collaboration with ER24, is available at 010 205 3032.
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