Self-care and Wellness During COVID-19

This is a hard time. How we work and live is upended, unknown, and untested due to a global health pandemic. The threat of illness is real for each of us and for those we love, near or far. Some of us may have already been sick or even experienced unfathomable loss as a result of COVID-19.

There isn’t a handbook for this situation and the resultant uncertainty, layered with anxiety and fear, can be stressful. How that stress is manifested can look very different from person to person depending on our life circumstances, but it is real for each person experiencing it.

We need to recognize the toll this situation might be taking on us and be compassionate with ourselves. We also need to recognize the toll on our students, colleagues and employees and be willing to extend that same compassion to them. We are in this together.

It can be difficult to know where to start getting help when we are living this chaos ourselves. Below are resources we have compiled and hope they will help you personally or if you need to help someone else during this difficult time.

Take care of yourself and others. We will persevere.

Last updated 4/1/20

Emergency situations

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:

  • Call 911
  • Call the Crisis Connections 24 hour Crisis Line: 866-427-4747; local 206-461-3222; TTY: 206-461-3219
  • Text the Crisis Text Line: 24-hour crisis support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to get connected with a Crisis Counselor.

Coronavirus and the UW’s response

The UW’s Coronavirus & COVID-19 Facts & Resources site provides up-to-date information about what to do if you feel sick, telework and time off, classes, academics and research, events and university operations, and travel and study abroad.

Self-care and wellness resources for everyone

The Whole U curated a list of virtual wellness resources of many different kinds to help us stay healthy, mentally and physically, during this time.

Here are just a few of the many other resources available:

Self-care and wellness resources for faculty and staff

  • UW Employee Assistance Program is available for benefits-eligible faculty and staff who may need support navigating these extraordinary times. UW EAP connects you with experts who help you and family members get free, confidential access to guidance consultants who provide counseling and other resources.
    • Organization Code: UW
  • UW’s SafeCampus: a place to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others.
    • Available 24 hours/7 days a week at 206-685-7233
    • Email safecampus@uw.edu; monitored 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays.
  • Child care options and resources for UW employees and faculty members

Self-care and wellness resources for students