Student Peer Counselling

All about mental health

• I feel overwhelmed/numb/different at the moment... What now?
• What is this compensation for disadvantages according to the examination regulations and how can I apply for it?
• What tools can I use to help myself?
• Do I need further professional help and where can I get it?
• Someone around me is in crisis - what can I do?
• And much more...

WHY?                  

The demands and stress associated with studying are even greater today than they were a few years and decades ago. More and more people are suffering from mental health problems and are restricted in their everyday lives and performance as a result (also outside of universities, of course). Even if you realise and admit to yourself that you might need support, it is often difficult to find your way through the system or to have an initial conversation with someone quickly and at short notice - for clarification, for orientation.

Student peer counselling offers a kind of interface that not only offers direct advice and conversations, but also aims to build bridges between the support system and those seeking help. The special thing about peer counselling is that it is provided by a person who primarily brings expertise through experience and also knows the perspective of the person seeking help - in other words, is a peer.

WHAT?

• Open consultation hours
• Advice on psychosocial, regional help in Eberswalde and the surrounding area (analogue+digital)
• Counselling sessions
• Advocacy for those affected (information on rights, options for students - e.g. application for compensation for disadvantages according to examination regulations)
• (Possibility in the further course: offer of a regular group)

Possible topics and content:

• Studying with a mental impairment
• Support in dealing with your own mental crisis
• General excessive demands and stress
• People around you are in crisis - what to do?
• How can I practise self-care?
• Simply "letting off steam" (this is also allowed and can be very relieving)
• Use assessments (e.g. social network map, crisis plan, timeline, ...)

Open consultation hours

• In winter semester 24/25, the counseling service will continue to take place, but in the form of online meetings and not as open consultation hours (due to internships abroad)
• Simply contact us by email and we will make an appointment as soon as possible
• From SoSe25 onwards, open consultation hours will continue normally in the “health room” in house 5 on the city campus (also without an appointment)
• For all HNEE students!
• E-mails to: peerberatung[at]hnee.de
  

The open consultation hours take place during lecture and examination periods (not on public holidays). The e-mail address can also be reached at any time.
The service is run by Madeleine Küsel, a student from the Forest Campus with professional experience in peer counselling and herself experienced with mental crises and how to deal with them, i.e. peer to peer. (More info at www.ex-in.de)

Counselling is available in German, English and Spanish.

Anyone who thinks they would like to drop in is welcome!