Taking care of yourself is essential to help maintain both your physical health and emotional wellbeing. Prioritizing self-care also helps you better handle life challenges and support others around you, including students and colleagues who may be struggling with mental health issues or other traumatic events. Below are specific resources, support systems and benefits that are available to all employees. Reach out to Tracy Oles, teo@uwm.edu, with questions about accessing any of the resources.
- Explore UWM wellness resources that support you wherever you are on your personal wellness journey on the UWM Wellness Program webpage.
- Partner with a UWM Health Coach onsite or virtually to receive assistance working toward health or personal related goals including mental health support. To begin, fill out the interest form or contact Tracy Oles, teo@uwm.edu. Available to all employees regardless of enrollment in the group health insurance plan.
- Ask for help, especially if you are experiencing difficult emotions like feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or hopeless.
- UWM’s Employee Assistance Program, though Acentra Health, offers free and confidential short-term counseling and support services to all employees and their family members. Acentra Health is available 24/7 at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com. Sign in using UWM’s password: SOWI
- Managers/supervisors can request management consultation services or critical incident support from Acentra Health and have an EAP professional provide support to employees onsite or virtually. Contact 1-833-539-7285 and ask for the management services team.
- Employees enrolled in the State of Wisconsin group health insurance plan can also utilize the Well Wisconsin Program, which includes a variety of wellness resources including mental health support and coaching. Access through the Well Wisconsin Program/WebMD Wellness portal using code SOWI.
- Help end stigma surrounding mental illness by participating in a Make it Okay Training. The training opens the door to increased understanding and caring conversations about mental health with a hope to change attitudes and champion a commitment to mental well-being for all. Look for the next offering on the HR Events calendar or contact teo@uwm.edu to bring the training to your department.
- Enroll in Suicide Prevention training and help to strengthen our network of UWM faculty, staff, and students prepared to reach out to individuals in crisis. Suicide prevention training