This Week @ York for Week of May 5, 2020

Announcement

  • This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. While taking care of our mental health is always important, this time of global pandemic response brings added complications to our lives and with that, an increased need to know how and where we can access support. With that in mind, This Week @ York is bringing you this special edition focused on supporting your mental health and wellbeing.

    During this period of COVID-19 response, when York University buildings are closed, we are still here to support you and provide services through online, telephone, video and email channels.

Crisis Support and Counselling

  • Student Counselling & Development is continuing to offer individual single-session counselling and telephone support at 416-736-5297, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They have also provided a suite of COVID-19 mental health resources to help you prioritize your mental health and wellbeing and access additional community supports. Glendon Campus students can access individual counselling through Glendon’s Accessibility, Well-Being and Counselling.

  • GradConnect Wellness Services supports York’s graduate students. You can request a confidential Wellness Consultation by phone, email or online to discuss coping with stress, anxiety, self-doubt or being overwhelmed.

  • Good2Talk is a free mental health helpline for Ontario post-secondary students, created by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. The service offers professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being and is open 24 hours a day every day at 1-866-925-5454.

  • The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (The Centre) coordinates supports and resources for all members of the community that have experienced sexual violence and assists survivors through the complaint process. They can be reached by phone and email.

  • The Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR) is also available by phone and email to provide support to students impacted by critical incidents or personal crises, and to help with referrals.

  • Following the recent tragic recent events in Nova Scotia, York’s Employee and Family Assistance provider, Morneau Shepell, has opened a Crisis Support Line for anyone in the community in need of emotional support in relation to these events. The Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at: 1-844-751-2133.

Connect with Community

  • The Big White Wall is a free online mental health and wellbeing service offering self-guided programs and creative outlets to anonymously express yourself, connect and learn.

  • Recognizing that mental health is connected to physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as your academic and financial wellbeing, Student Community & Leadership Development has curated a suite of COVID-19 resources to help you adjust to the new norms of physical distancing and online learning from home.

  • York’s faculty, staff and students are all doing amazing things to mobilize and contribute to a better outcome of the COVID-19 global crisis. Check out some of the stories and videos that capture how our community is creating positive change and making #YUBetterTogether.

  • York International is hosting a Virtual Spring Party on May 15 to celebrate finishing the winter semester and to welcome all the new incoming students! Enjoy performances from fellow York students and alumni, a dance lesson from Athletics and Recreation, fun activities to get to know each other, and much more. If you are interested in performing or have any questions about the event, please visit the above link or contact yuabroad@yorku.ca.

    Also check out York International’s #YIFeel International Student Mental Health Awareness Campaign with a blog, videos and photos about international students’ experiences with mental health. Consider sharing your experiences by joining their conversation and telling your story!

  • Do you want to connect with others to talk about your future career? Drop by the Career Centre’s Virtual Career Lounge and chat with a Career Peer Educator. No appointment necessary–check hours and join in here.

Build Coping Skills

  • The 5 Ways to Wellbeing @ Home is a great resource highlighted by York’s Health Education & Promotion as a holistic approach to helping you build resilience, find balance and boost your general wellbeing.

  • BounceBack Ontario is a free program that offers telephone coaching sessions and online videos to help you build skills to overcome mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression and regain positive mental health.

  • Learning Skills Services has a suite of online learning resources, including YU GOT THIS tips for studying online and taking online exams, online time-management skills and the Student Guide to eLearning

Don’t Forget Your Physical Wellbeing

  • Student Community & Leadership Development’s COVID-19 Wellbeing Resources web page includes a variety of fitness and nutrition resources to help you keep your body in good health. Also take a look at some of their resources for creating a study space in your room, meditation and relaxation.

  • Free Virtual MUV Classes have been extended! Continue to stay healthy and active while maintaining physical distancing. See the new schedule starting May 3 at the link above and follow @yorkulions and @yorkurecreation for class updates.

  • If you’re looking for some mobile apps to help you relax, meditate or play, check Osgoode Hall Law School’s Wellness Support during COVID-19 web page.