Do you find your mental health tends to slump during the dark winter months? You’re not alone!
Research shows that mental well-being can slump in January, so now is a great time to make your mental health a priority and check in on those around you.
Taking care of your mental well-being can include prioritizing healthy eating habits and a good night’s sleep, connecting with friends and family, or seeking out professional help.
Learn how U of G supports can help you build better mental health.
Supports from Student Wellness Services
Student Wellness Services offers resources that support students’ mental health and well-being.
Not sure where to start? Connect with a Student Wellness Navigator who can answer questions you may have about campus services.
Call 519-824-4120 x52131 to book an appointment with a navigator Monday through Friday.
Here are some of the supports available to students:
- Peer-to-peer drop-in counselling is provided by U of G student volunteers who receive extensive training in order to support those who are struggling with confidential, non-judgmental listening, information and referrals.
- There are also sessions for Black, Racialized and Students of Colour to connect with peers with shared experiences.
- See SSN drop-in hours for virtual and in-person sessions.
- Explore, understand, and work through personal issues one-on-one with a counsellor.
- Call 519-824-4120 x 53244 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to book an appointment.
- Drop-in counselling is available in-person, virtually, or over the phone.
- Call 519-8244-4120 x53244 or visit the J.T. Powell Building Monday to Friday 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- Note: If you have not attended counselling before, first book an appointment with a Student Wellness Navigator.
Counselling drop-in for Black students and students of colour
- Drop-in counselling for Black students and Students of Colour is available in-person, virtually, or over the phone.
- Book an appointment online.
International & English Language Program student mental health support
- Free and confidential counselling support by chat, phone, and ongoing virtual appointments are available through keep.meSAFE.
- Download the My SSP App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Chat with a counsellor through the keep.meSAFE app or call 1-844-451-8700 (or 001-416-380-6578 outside North America) anytime day or night.
Find more student wellness resources.
Resources for staff and faculty
Wellness@Work is the wellness hub for staff and faculty at U of G and aims to create a healthy workplace across all campuses.
Upcoming Wellness@Work Events:
Wellness Friday: A journey to wellness one step at a time
Examine what wellness means and learn simple steps to set your own health goals and keep them on track to achieve your personal definition of wellness.
- Jan. 26, noon to 1 p.m. (Virtual)
Hibernate: A virtual, creative workshop on caring for our mental health in winter
Join a creative workshop to focus on how winter can be a season of healing dormancy and restoration, using art to reflect on the ways we want to care for ourselves this season.
- Feb. 9, noon to 1 p.m. (Virtual)
Wellness Friday: Calming Your Mind in Challenging Times
This session will explore personal stress triggers and review some practical, easy techniques to make brief relaxation moments a natural part of everyday life.
- Feb. 16, noon to 1 p.m. (Virtual)
Join this short mindful moment to kick start your Monday morning. This mindfulness exercise will be a guided activity focused on guided breathing.
- Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (Virtual)
More wellness resources and Wellness@Work events
Here are some resources available for staff and faculty:
- Find resources, guidance and support for workplace psychological health and safety through the Not Myself Today online platform.
Employee and Family Assistance Plan
- The Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) is available for staff, faculty and their families when they need professional counselling support.
- Call 1-800-662-1142 to access counselling support 24 hours per day, seven days a week through the EFAP provider Homewood Employee Health.
Benefit coverage for psychological services
- U of G’s extended health plan includes coverage for psychological services.
Occupational Health and Wellness
- Within Human Resources, Occupational Health and Wellness (OHW) is the main source of support for staff and faculty with disabilities. OHW supports workplace accommodations and return to work planning as well as short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) leaves.
Responding to others in distress
Have you noticed a student or colleague showing signs of distress?
Visit the Responding to Students in Distress: For Staff & Faculty or the Steps to Supporting a Colleague in Distress guides.