Signs You're Struggling
Psychological
- Finding it difficult to experience positive thoughts and emotions
- Frequently stressed, sad, anxious, or angry
- Difficulty coping day-to-day
- Disengaging with things that usually matter to you
Physical
- Increasing aches and pains
- Difficulty sleeping or daytime exhaustion
- Significant change in appetite
- Increased use of numbing behaviours that are harder to control (food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, tech, etc.)
Occupational
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Unmotivated
- Burnout or struggling to function well
- Presenteeism or declining performance
Social
- Not enough access to social support network
- Increasing avoidance of social engagement and/or social activities
Spiritual
- Losing sense of purpose and meaning
- Beliefs and worldview are shaken
Note: It's possible to be functioning relatively well while feeling distress. If you're struggling but are still performing at work or masking socially, this page is for you too.
► 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.
Protect Your Well-Being
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
-
Set up an appointment with a therapist and/or your primary care provider to explore longer-term options for support if needed
Be strategic
- View signs of stress as cues to use your coping strategies
- Focus on what is within your control
- Honour your limits and take breaks
- Schedule time for engaging in activities that support your well-being
- Avoid withdrawing or isolating yourself
-
Reflect on what you're experiencing and prioritize actions that are supportive. For example:
- Isolated ⟶ Seek connection
- Anxious/angry ⟶ Exercise
- Overwhelmed ⟶ Break it down into smaller tasks
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.
Video: How to Cope when Life Feels Overwhelming
For additional coping strategies, please visit Strategies for Coping & Healing.
Resources for 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
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.
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
WEC CONNECT
Searchable database of local health, mental health, and substance use services and resources.
Crisis Text Line | 24/7
Emotional support provided by trained volunteers for anyone living in Canada.
Text CONNECT to 686868 (reach trained volunteer crisis responders)
www.kidshelpphone.ca/need-help-now-text-us/
► Additional 24/7 Resources & Specialized Supports
► Emergency & Crisis Resources
Analogue Press: Windsor Region Events Calendar
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.
Mental Health Continuum Resources
The Mental Health Continuum model and information featured on this website were adapted from the following resources: