Surviving

Signs You're Surviving

Man looking into the distance

Psychological

Reduced experience of positive thoughts and emotions
Increasing feelings of stress, sadness, worry, irritability, impatience
Finding it harder to cope with stressors
Feeling less engaged with what matters to you

Physical

Physical signs of stress: muscle tension, headaches
Tired/low energy
Trouble sleeping
Changes in appetite
Numbing with food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, tech, etc.

Occupational

Distracted, loss of focus, forgetfulness
Decreased motivation, procrastination
Requires more effort to maintain performance

Social

Changes in social engagement (more or less)
Feeling more isolated
Feeling less satisfied with social support network

Spiritual

Weakening sense of purpose and meaning
Beliefs and worldview are challenged

► If you are noticing physical or psychological health changes that don't quickly resolve, that are concerning to you, or that are worsening, please speak with your primary care provider. If you're not sure how to explain what you're experiencing, show your care provider this page and use the signs above to get the conversation started.

Man looking out window

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Pay attention and be proactive

Monitor stress and identify stressors
Identify and resolve problems early when you can
Schedule time each day for doing activities that support your well-being
Don’t isolate—try to find ways to experience connection with others or with the broader world around you.

Go back to the basics

Start using your coping skills

Incorporate small moments of mindfulness throughout your day
Practice self-compassion
Build a meditation practice (check out these guided mindful self-compassion mediations)
Plan things to look forward to
Reach out to your network for support

Remember that not every coping strategy will be the right fit in every situation - coping is all about finding the approaches that best support your well-being in the moment. If you're finding that your current coping strategies aren't working, it doesn't mean that you're "not coping well enough" or that there is something wrong with you. It just means that you haven't found strategies that are helpful yet for the situation or that more support is needed to help you navigate through. If you're feeling stuck, asking for support is often the best next step.

Develop a coping plan (printable template)

Identify your personal signs of stress
Identify coping strategies that have worked before and explore new coping strategies (e.g., self-compassion)
Learn about available mental health and well-being resources
Identify support systems and access them if needed

For additional coping strategies, please visit Strategies for Coping & Healing.

Resources for Support

When life starts to feel heavy, knowing you’re not alone can help. Reach out to friends, family or chosen family, and others you trust, and let them know that you could use some support. Counselling can also help with identifying stressors, challenges, and solutions within the context of a supportive relationship.

Beyond talking it out, there are many ways to boost your mood and manage stress day-to-day, including engaging in physical activity and getting involved in your community. Check out the resources below for information about the Toldo Lancer Centre and the Campus and Community event calendars! Find what works best for you and intentionally incororpate more of those activities into your week.

University of Windsor Resources

Support

Employee Assistance Program

Professional counselling, crisis support, life coaching, health coaching, career coaching, financial and legal consults, etc. for eligible UWindsor employees and their dependants.

Call 1.833.707.4747 (24/7 for crisis, 8am-8pm daily for non-crisis)

greenshieldplus.ca or download the GreenShield+ app.

Employee Safety & Wellness | Ability & Wellness Specialists

Ability and Wellness Specialists are available to provide compassionate and confidential support to employees and leaders requiring workplace accommodations for physical, cognitive, and psychological conditions or other abilities management supports. They work collaboratively with employees, healthcare providers, unions, and departments to identify appropriate solutions, facilitate accommodations, support employees in remaining at work or returning to work safely and successfully, and promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

Email: eswaccommodations@uwindsor.ca

www.uwindsor.ca/humanresources/workplaceaccommodation

Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance, and Support

Campus-based support for all members of the University of Windsor community who have had an unwanted or non-consensual sexual experience, recent or historical.

Email: svsupport@uwindsor.ca

www.uwindsor.ca/prevent-resist-support/

UWindsor Sexual Misconduct Policy

Recreation & Engagement*

Toldo Lancer Centre

UWindsor’s state-of-the-art sport and recreation complex includes an eight-lane, 25-metre pool; an indoor walking and running track; triple gymnasium; a two-level fitness centre; fully equipped multi-purpose rooms, Starbucks(r) with various social and lounge areas and more. To learn more about membership options (free and paid options), please visit: Employee + Faculty Memberships | Lancer Recreation

Campus Event Calendar

Looking for events on campus? Interested in attending a Varsity game? Check out the UWindsor event calendar!

Event Calendar | University of Windsor

*Having enjoyable activities planned and something to look forward to can help increase hope when life feels overwhelming, and exercising can help reduce feelings of isolation and increase feel-good endorphins. These resources do not provide crisis intervention or mental health care. Use recreation and engagement options as a coping strategy, not as a replacement for seeking professional support.

Community Resources

Support

Family Services Walk-In Counselling Clinic (fee for service)

Professional single-session counselling provided on a walk-in basis. Please see website for more information and hours.

fswe.ca/programs-2/counselling/walk-in-wellness-counselling-clinics/

Psychology Today – Therapists in Windsor, ON

Searchable database of local mental health therapists in private practice. Therapists in private practice charge a fee for service, which may be partially covered by employee benefits. Check your benefits package for more information.

www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/on/windsor

Connex Ontario

Free, 24/7 information and referral service for anyone in Ontario, focusing on mental health, addiction and problem gambling resources.

Call 1.866.531.2600

www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/

WEC CONNECT

Searchable database of local health, mental health, and substance use services and resources.

wecoss.ca/wec_connect

Recreation & Engagement*

Analogue Press: Windsor Region Events Calendar

www.analoguepress.org/events/

Tourism Windsor-Essex Local Event Calendar

www.visitwindsoressex.com/events/

*Having enjoyable activities planned and something to look forward to can help increase hope when life feels overwhelming. These resources do not provide crisis intervention or mental health care. Use recreation and engagement options as a coping strategy, not as a replacement for seeking professional support.

Additional mental health resources and specialized supports

Mental Health Continuum Resources

The Mental Health Continuum model and information featured on this website were adapted from the following resources: