Mental Health

need_help.jpgAt Western, we are committed to fostering a community that actively promotes mental health. A good place to start if you are in crisis, or need to talk to someone, is to speak with your family doctor. Your family doctor may already know you and your family, and may be in the best position to offer advice and help. You may also go to a walk-in clinic for assistance.

Western also has a number of resources that you may access, as a faculty or staff member.

The most important thing is to ask for assistance.

Western Resources for Faculty and Staff

Counselling Assistance Programs 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Western's Employee (and family) Assistance Program is now TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks). The EAP is a confidential and voluntary support service, provided by TELUS Health that can help you to optimize your current wellbeing, or to take the first step toward change. You can access help to find solutions to the challenges you face at any age and stage of your life and, at no cost to you, you can take advantage of many great services and resources available to employees and their family members.  You can access immediate and confidential support in a way that is most suited to your communication preferences, comfort level and lifestyle. We know that when you and your family are well, you can bring your best self to work. EAP is part of our efforts to continuously improve the programs we offer to support you and your family's well-being.

Visit the EAP website

Supportive and Proactive Services and Programs

Workplace Health

A full-time occupational health nurse is available for medical treatment of occupational and non-occupational illness/injuries, and general health concerns. Emergency care is provided as needed. Health screening is available for all Western employees with identified potential workplace hazards.

519-661-2047
Support Services Building Rm 4159
Visit the Workplace Health website

Employee Health & Well-being

Employee Health & Well-being promotes employee health and wellness, provides support to staff and faculty and departments regarding medical absence and accommodation and provides assistance with accessing supports and resources.

Support Services Building, Room 4159
Visit the Health and Well-being website

Human Rights Office

The HRO provides confidential support and advice on the University's policies on harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct and human rights.

519-661-3334 ext. 83334
Room 2319, Sommerville House
Visit the Human Rights Office website

Self-Directed Learning

Mental Health Module on OWL

As a community member you are encouraged to complete the Western mental health learning module.

This module is 15 minutes in length and provides participants with a basic understanding of Mental Health issues and of available campus and community resources. It covers the signs that you may see in someone who is experiencing mental illness and the steps to follow to support them. It is available to all Western students, faculty and staff. After successful completion, participants receive a certificate confirming their participation in the course.

Sign in to the Mental Health Module in OWL

Login in with the same Western User ID used for My Human Resources. If you have not signed in before, you must first sign the Acceptable Use Agreement for your user ID and wait 15 minutes before joining the site on OWL.

If you experience difficulty entering the module, use ASK HR to contact Human Resources.

Self-Care for Graduate Students - Make Yourself a Priority

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a great list of resources for thriving in graduate school.

Visit the Self-Care website

Reference Guide - Mental Health Resources for Western Staff & Faculty, and Students

This quick guide is available for download and provides a list of resources to support colleagues and students who are seeking wellness, counselling and crisis supports.

Community Resources

General

211

A three-digit phone number and website provide information and referral to community and social services in Ontario. Phone service is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is available in 150 languages.

Visit the 211 website

Communities

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre

Innovative, Aboriginal specific, Indigenous informed health care agency, providing health and social services to First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.
Visit the Access Centre website
1-877-454-0753

Black Health Alliance

Black Health Alliance: A community-led organization that works to empower, provide education, and improve the health and wellbeing of Black communities across Canada.

Visit the Black Health Alliance website
Email: info@blackhealthalliance.ca

Mental Health Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association - CMHA Crisis Services and Learning Opportunities

The CMHA is a nation-wide organization that promotes the mental health of all, and supports recovery of people experiencing mental illness. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call the Thames Valley CMHA crisis line.

Crisis Response Line: 519-433-2023
General Inquiries: 519-434-9191
Visit the CMHA Thames Valley website 

BounceBack® - Is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Online Mental Health Courses Through the CMHA – The Canadian Mental Health Association offers free online mental health courses, as well as other free workshops and community programming such as mindfulness hour, mood walks, and coffee hours through the CMHA.

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides three helplines that provide health services information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs or alcohol and mental illness.

Drug and Alcohol Helpline:1-800-565-8603
Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
Visit the ConnexOntario website

FEMAP (First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program - teens and young adults)

FEMAP is a program that helps older teens and young adults (ages 16-25) with emotional concerns that fall into the categories of mood and/or anxiety symptoms.

519-646-6000 ext. 65178
Email: FEMAP@lhsc.on.ca 
Visit the FEMAP website

London-Middlesex Suicide Prevention Council

The Council's mission is to reduce suicide and suicidal behaviour, and its impact on individuals, families and communities, through education, information and collaboration. They also provide information and resources to assist individuals who are seeking assistance.

Visit the Council's website

HeadsUpGuys

HeadsUPguys is a program of The University of British Columbia. It's a global resources to support men of any age to improve their mental health, reduce their risk of suicide, and inspire them to live healthier lives. 

Visit HeadsUpGuys website

Addiction Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship dedicated to helping alcoholics peer to peer in sobriety.

519-438-1122
Visit the London AA website

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides three helplines that provide health services information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs or alcohol and mental illness.

Drug and Alcohol Helpline:1-800-565-8603
Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
Visit ConnexOntario website

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for those attempting to recover from drugs other than just alcohol

Phone: 1-888-811-3887
Email: pi@glana.ca 

Visit website - Greater London Area of Narcotics Anonymous

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