Financial insecurity is really tough on students.
November 23, 2023 | Québec City, Québec
Photo Credit: Katt Yukawa on Unsplash
As students, our mental wellbeing is constantly threatened by many factors.
In Québec, 64% of student renters spend more than 30% of their monthly income—including loans, bursaries, and parental assistance—on housing-related expenses (ibid.) (UTILE, 2022). In addition, food insecurity among working students is higher than in the rest of the labour force. The financial insecurity resulting from having to work while studying, carrying debt, and doing everything necessary to make ends meet (paying rent, tuition, food, books, etc.) is one of the greatest challenges for many students, all of which creates an insurmountable barrier to our health and wellbeing.
The impact? Dealing with financial difficulties can lead to consequences, which can include anxiety with symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and depression, lack of energy and lack of motivation, isolation, sadness, irritability, substance use, and impaired academic performance. The list could go on and on.
Luckily there are strategies that can be put into place to help us deal with financial insecurity.
Next, it is important to seek help concerning your mental health. Stigmas surrounding mental health issues lead people to think that asking for help and support is a sign of weakness, but such issues don’t make you any less of who you are. On the contrary, it makes you a brave and self-aware person. Remember that the sooner you identify and start treating mental health issues, the better the outcome. If you are out there struggling with this, know you are not alone; take it one step at a time. You can see the social worker at your school for this as well. If you are suffering academically as a result of your financial difficulties be sure to see the academic advisor at your school for helpful solutions.
First, closed mouths don’t get fed, so begin by asking questions: make inquiries, because there may be existing resources to help you that you are not aware of. If you have any questions about this you can see the social worker at your school to learn about loans, bursaries (Quebec.ca, 2023), foundations, and the food shelf.
“There is a South African proverb that says,“Izandla ziyagezana,” which translates into English as “hands wash each other.” Both hands complement each other in the washing process, thus, emphasising the importance of mutual support and cooperation in achieving success as a society.”
Also, I encourage you to help other people around you because performing acts of kindness has several benefits on your mental health such as: reducing stress and anxiety, leading to an improved mood and overall happiness, as well as creating a sense of belonging and reducing isolation. There’s no such thing as too small a service. Whether it be helping an elderly person cross the road, reciprocating a smile genuinely, checking up on a friend or even a stranger, or giving a listening ear to someone, any of these little acts of kindness go a very long way--and they matter. There is a South African proverb that says,“Izandla ziyagezana,” which translates into English as “hands wash each other.” Both hands complement each other in the washing process, thus, emphasising the importance of mutual support and cooperation in achieving success as a society. We must help build each other up because it is only together that we can stand.
Author
Blessing Tchemtchoua Dassi
Financial Wellness Liaison (Québec City, Québec)
for Y4Y Québec
