This has been a challenging year, especially for colleagues in our community who are affected by the Middle East conflict and those who are experiencing heightened stress around the upcoming presidential election.
If you have been feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, or if you’re having difficulty being centered and purposeful, the following resources may offer some relief.
Select each link to be directed to the appropriate resource webpage for more information.
Systemwide resources
UC Principles of Community
UC is committed to offering all its members a safe, supportive, responsive and equitable environment.
Faculty and staff assistance programs (FSAP)
Available systemwide, FSAP offers free, confidential individual counseling and referral resources to help you manage depression, anxiety, and other emotional struggles; grief and loss; relationship challenges; parenting and dependent care concerns; addiction and more.
Behavioral health benefits from UC’s medical plans
UC’s medical coverage includes behavioral health benefits for mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Members can use their benefits for sessions with counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists to address challenges like depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, medication management, and autism and pervasive developmental disorders. All UC health plans offer phone and/or video options for behavioral health advice and care.
Caregiver resources
Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports
Bright Horizons’ referral programs can help you find care programs for children and elders; pet-care providers; education support; parenting resources and enrichment opportunities.
Eldercare resources for ARAG members
If you’re enrolled in UC’s optional legal insurance through ARAG, you can access a free consultation with an eldercare advocate who will help assess your parent’s or grandparent’s eldercare needs, develop a care plan, search for facilities and providers and negotiate discounts when available. Your parents and grandparents can also meet with a network attorney for advice on elder law issues (e.g., Medicare/Social Security benefits, estate planning, real estate) and for an annual legal check-up.
Targeted UC research and workplace resources
Greater Good Resources for Peace and Conflict
Created by the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), this robust collection of articles was specifically created for coping with the Israel/Hamas conflict and includes topics such as peace and reconciliation, apology and forgiveness, activism and children’s well-being.
Eight questions that can help you survive election stress
Also by the GGSC, this article offers resources for preserving wellness and resilience while not losing sight of your ability to make an impact.
Toolkit for supporting a culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect during virtual meetings (UC Berkeley)
Have another resource to add to this page? Email ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu.