Mental health support for faculty

There are a number of resources available to support faculty mental health, whether you need help now or want to take preventative measures. To determine which resource is the best fit for your situation, see the "who to talk to" section of this page, or contact us.

What you need to know

Conversations with Occupational Health are confidential. You don't need to disclose your situation to your department.
You are entitled to a leave of absence, should you need one. You are also entitled to your 180 days of sick leave.
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides support for short-term, goal-based concerns, through in-person, online, and phone appointments. The program also offers preventative resources. They do not provide support for chronic, long-term issues. Your family members can also access this program!
Our benefits don’t apply to all types of therapy and practitioners. You can claim treatments by psychologists, and by counsellors who are registered social workers with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Psychotherapy, for example, is not covered.
Counselling Services is a student service. Faculty in distress should contact Grand River Hospital, Homewood Health, or 911.

Where to find information

Employee supports: initiatives and resources at Waterloo

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Human Resources’ employee Pension & Benefits Booklet (download from the HR Benefits web page)
Healthy Workplace Steering Committee
Our Leaves page and blog posts on leaves
Campus Wellness' Thrive Week and related resources

Community supports

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington provides recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families.
Grand River Hospital offers Emergency Mental Health Care and an inpatient mental health unit, as well as outpatient and withdrawal services.
Find more community resources on the EFAP website.

Who to talk to

Homewood Health for short-term counselling and resources. Read the FAQ for information about how to access services.
Occupational Health for accommodations and leaves.
FAUW for help addressing the impacts on your professional life.
Grand River Hospital, Homewood Health, or 911 for crisis situations.

FAUW’s advice

Remember that you have options if your situation is impacting your ability to work, including therapy, accommodations, and leaves.
Seek help: Talk to someone who can help you navigate the situation, whether that's a therapist, FAUW, Occupational Health, or a trusted friend or colleague. You don't have to do this alone.
Take preventative measures to protect your wellbeing at work. We often tell people to be their own health advocates; the same goes for mental health and wellbeing. But unlike many health conditions, we have ample evidence for changes we can make in our daily lives that can have an immediate impact on our mental health.
- Proactive measures: Meditation and physical activity—even 10 minutes a day—can make a significant difference.
- Protective measures: Try not to get caught up in comparing yourself to others; collegial, friendly relationships at work lead to job satisfaction.