Your Mental Well-Being Matters: W23 Resources

Jan 24th, 2023

W23 Resources for UofG students

Many aspects of mental health are already challenging for university students, and research shows that mental well-being can slump in January, which is why now is the perfect time to make your mental health a priority and check in on those around you.

Assisting students on their mental health journey is a priority for Student Wellness, and why we offer numerous programs and resources designed to help in many different capacities. Below are just a few ways our Wellness teams can help you as a UofG student. Not sure where to start? For non-emergency mental health support, a Student Wellness Navigator can be contacted by calling 519-824-4120 ext. 52131. Learn more.

Mental Health Supports from Student Wellness Services:

Sometimes we need help to support our mental health. A lot of the time, we think of professional counselling as the option, which is often the case. However, Student Wellness Services offers several different programs and resources outside of Counselling Services to help you build better mental health.

Free Counselling Services for UofG Students

Student Wellness Services offers same-day Drop-In and Urgent Counselling. Call us at (519) 824-4120 Ext. 53244 for an appointment

Individual Counselling

  • Counselling Services allows you to talk one-on-one with a counsellor to explore, understand, and work through personal issues. Call 519-824-4120 x 53244 (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm) to book an appointment.

Same Day Drop-In Counselling

  • Available via phone, virtual or in-person.
  • Drop-in Counselling for Black Students and Students of Colour (virtual or in-person, Wednesdays 1-3:30 pm. Sessions can be booked the same day or in advance through Student Experience) 
  • The drop-in service is available to provide support, information and referrals to students dealing with a variety of same-day, emerging or crisis situations.

If you or a friend is having suicidal thoughts, please contact someone immediately, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911: they are there to listen, and they want to help.

  • Campus Safety Office supported by the Integrated Mobile Police And Crisis Team (IMPACT) An IMPACT worker is available on campus for emergency help Thursdays from 3 p.m. to midnight, and Friday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight via the Campus Safety Office: 519-840-5000 or 519-824-4120 ext. 52000, or by texting the Crisis Line: text UOFG to 686868.
  • Good2Talk Postsecondary Helpline: 1-866-925-5454.
  • Here 24/7 (Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services for Waterloo – Wellington Region): 1-844-437-3247
  • Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone: Text UofG to 686868

Student Support Network (SSN)

  • Drop-in peer support is provided by extensively trained student volunteers who provide confidential, non-judgmental listening and support to other students. Drop-in peer support is offered between noon and 10 pm, Monday through Friday. More info at: wellness.uoguelph.ca/ssn

International & ELP Student Counselling Options

  • Keep.meSAFE is a mental wellness student support program available to all U of G International Students whether they are still studying in Guelph/Ontario or back in their homes internationally. It is free and confidential for international students with availability day or night. This service provides access to counsellors that speak their language and understand their culture via phone or chat.

Academic Supports

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Centre

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, you are not alone and supports are available.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps students who experience disabilities with full and equitable participation in academic life. We strive towards creating a barrier-free environment where all students can achieve their potential. Students can request SAS support by completing an SAS application. 

Group Therapy Programs 

Counselling Services offers several therapy groups that offer professional and peer support over several weeks. Groups include:
  • Wellness group for Black, Indigenous and Students of Colour
  • Managing Stress and Anxiety in Varsity Sport
  • Groups for Depression or Anxiety
  • Dialectical Behavioral Training
  • Disordered Eating Group
  • Distress Tolerance
  • Creating Space For Grief
  • Meal Support Group
  • Men's Group
  • Mindfulness
  • Building Healthy Relationships
  • Building Social Confidence
  • Regulating Emotions
  • Stress Management
  • Other topics as required.

Integrated Mobile Police And Crisis Team (IMPACT)

In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA) and the University of Guelph Campus Safety Office, IMPACT is a pilot project which provides an immediate response to those on the University of Guelph campus undergoing a mental health crisis by dispatching dedicated mental health professionals alongside campus safety officers when assisting with crisis calls.

Peer Wellness Educators

  • Our team of Peer Helpers runs regular events and workshops to support students in managing their stress, building connections, and overall improving their well-being. They also create educational content for social media on a variety of topics. Keep an eye out at @wellness_uofg on Instagram and our GryphLife page for upcoming events.

Thriving in Action

  • This workshop series will help you move from languishing to flourishing throughout your time in university. Build motivation, optimism and resilience, and learn how to integrate those skills into your work as a student. In each workshop, you will learn and practice both wellness and learning strategies that will help you be the student you want to be. Come to one workshop or all of them. This workshop series is a collaboration between Learning Services and Student Wellness. Students can register for upcoming sessions via Gryphlife.

Stress Management Programs

  • Learn guided relaxation techniques for test anxiety, sleep, & general stress. This drop-in group is provided by Kathy Somers from the Stress Management & High Performance Clinic. Students can register for upcoming sessions via Gryphlife. More programs can be found at www.selfregulationskills.ca

Shine This Year

  • Shine This Year is our one-stop-shop for mental health resources both on and off campus. There you can find links to services, helpful tips, listen to our podcast The Shine Cast, and hear about how other students succeeded in university by watching our series of Student Transition Stories.

USHINE & WeSHINE

  • USHINE is a peer mentoring program that empowers students to develop lifelong successful habits to boost well-being. Students can meet one-to-one with a USHINE Peer Mentor to identify wellness goals and create a personalized wellness plan to meet these goals. Topics include sleep, nutrition, exercise, and much more.
  • WeSHINE is our online group where students can connect about shared well-being goals, get new resources, and build community. Students can be a part of WeSHINE without being enrolled in USHINE. Email us at ushine@uoguelph.ca to sign up.

Gryphons Empowered by Movement (GEM)

  • GEM is a referral-only program that is a collaboration between Student Wellness and Athletics. Program participants will be paired with a GEM Buddy, who helps them experience different ways of incorporating physical activity into their lives as a means of improving mental health. Talk with a Student Wellness Navigator, Counsellor, SAS Advisor, or the SSN to be referred to the program!

Grad Student Support Circles (GSSC)

  • A confidential peer support group for grad students across all faculties. GSSC offers a supportive group environment where grad students can talk about their unique experiences, hear others’ perspectives, & discuss life in general. A support group is also available for student-parents. Sign up at grad.circle@uoguelph.ca

Other On-Campus Supports & Resources: 

Student Experience

Connect to other students with similar backgrounds and access identity-specific supports and advising through Student Experience.

Department of Athletics

U of G’s Department of Athletics offers one of the best recreation facilities in the city and a wide range of classes. Physical wellness and mental health are closely tied. Explore how getting active at Athletics can help you! Explore the Fitness classes, fitness centre, and various free drop-in recreation programs available to students. 

Additional Mental Health Resouces: 

  • Self-Help Resources Counselling & Mental Health Resources for Students, Staff & Faculty 
  • Training: There are various training opportunities currently available for students, staff, and faculty to help you to become more informed about mental health issues, including suicide prevention/intervention. Visit our website to learn more or email mentalhealth.training@uoguelph.ca
If you or a friend is having suicidal thoughts, please contact someone immediately, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911: they are there to listen, and they want to help.
  • Campus Safety Office supported by the Integrated Mobile Police And Crisis Team (IMPACT) An IMPACT worker is available on campus for emergency help Thursdays from 3 p.m. to midnight, and Friday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight via the Campus Safety Office: 519-840-5000 or 519-824-4120 ext. 52000, or by texting the Crisis Line: text UOFG to 686868.
  • Good2Talk Postsecondary Helpline: 1-866-925-5454.
  • Here 24/7 (Addictions, Mental Health & Crisis Services for Waterloo – Wellington Region): 1-844-437-3247
  • Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone: Text UofG to 686868

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