By Oona Hirvonen
hirvo@mail.broward.edu
College life can bring much excitement and joy to many, but it can also create challenges that can affect a student’s mental and emotional well-being. Balancing school, work, social life, and other personal responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, which is why understanding how to access and utilize support services is crucial. Broward College is committed to aiding its students with accessible resources and services.
Seeking help early on is extremely important to an individual’s case. By dealing with an issue before it escalates, it enables one to develop healthy coping mechanisms. By understanding the root of the problem, it encourages the brain to believe that this problem can be fixed, which in turn allows a person to calm down and listen to reason. By coming up with a solution, that outcome overall lowers stress levels. These skills are vital to prevent other serious issues from arising in the future. Getting support early on may improve an individual’s focus, heighten academic performance, and overall improve one’s quality of life. Reaching out is not something to be ashamed of as it is a sign that one desires to stay healthy and supported!
Broward College has partnered with My College Doctor, which is a telehealth service, that offers high-quality healthcare around-the-clock, every day of the year. The service is
designed to be exceptionally accessible, requiring no insurance, no copays or out-of-pocket expenses, and even providing free prescriptions at over 65,000 pharmacies. Students also have access to a vast network of licensed physicians and mental health specialists, an extensive online resource library, and support in more than 170 languages, including American Sign Language. Through My College Doctor, students have the opportunity to meet with a licensed therapist virtually or by phone, enabling an individual to receive help without the inconvenience of traditional office hours. For those who need additional support, psychiatric consultations are also available. The program is designed to allow busy college students to conveniently have easy access to confidential and helpful mental health care, highlighting the significance of seeking help as boosting one’s overall wellbeing.
To access this wonderful resource, students can go to https://www.broward.edu/students/mental-emotional-wellness/ which takes them to Broward College’s mental health main page. When scrolling down the page, there are instructions to make an appointment with My College Doctor Therapists. First, copy and paste the link to mycollegedoctor.com into your browser. Then, on the top right, there is a button called “student access”. Afterward, it transfers the user to a login page where they can input their personal BC student ID, the group name: navbrowardcollege2024, as well as their date of birth. In addition, there is a possibility of making an appointment through a simple phone call by dialing the number: 1 833-398-0805. Once completed, stay on the lookout for an email regarding instructions for activation and credentials.
Overall, balancing work and life is no easy task; however, small steps such as taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, ensuring adequate rest, and getting help when needed can help prevent burnout and boost overall health. By relying on and taking advantage of the amazing resources Broward College provides for its students, individuals can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.