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Managing Stress and Uncertainty

Last Updated: November 29, 2023 10:43:44 AM PST
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Explore resources to support your mental and emotional wellbeing during times of stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

large statute of a bear made of stones on a grass lawnThe UC San Diego Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) team recognizes that we’ve seen some unprecedented challenges, and also a few unprecedented victories, over the past few years.

We stand now on the horizon of another new year and again will work together as a campus community to make wonderful things happen. The vaccine continues to safeguard millions of people around the world; and we are witnessing medical history, social movements towards justice and learning more about our family members than we ever dreamed we would.

However, there are also many frightening events taking place in our nation that have sent many of us into a state of shock, feeling as traumatized and uncertain as we did at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. Layers and layers of fear, doubt and continued isolation feel particularly heavy as we once again face familiar social justice challenges, new viral variants and the constant challenge of reinventing the workplace, the school room and more. We need every UC San Diego stakeholder well and clear-headed, connected and energized.

This page offers some ideas to head us all in a healthy direction.

Resources

*Resources listed here offer various memberships and access that may be free of charge while others may require a fee. The user is responsible to determine which resources are the best fit for their own needs. Please read membership and user guidelines carefully on each site.

Counseling and Campus Support Groups 

  • Individual counseling appointments are available to UC San Diego campus employees at no cost through FSAP. Schedule an appointment with an FSAP counselor »
    • FSAP counselors can also help with referrals to external behavioral health providers through University-provided health programs (Optum, Anthem, MHN) and other service options in the community.
  • Tritons Flourish, facilitated by William Youngblood, M.S., LMFT, CEAP, CATP
    • Third Friday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m. 
    • This monthly program is open to any UC San Diego campus employee interested in connecting with others who are committed to flourishing in their personal and professional lives.
  • Mindful Pause (Mindfulness Meditation Group), facilitated by Bryan McNutt, Ph.D., LMFT, CEAP
    • Third Wednesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
    • This monthly group meeting will focus on using practical approaches for applying mindfulness-based skills in our daily lives, including our working life. As an experiential group, sessions will include a brief educational component, followed by basic guided meditation exercises that can be utilized to help nurture more emotional calm, focus, and intentional presence in your daily life.
  • BIPOC Support Group, facilitated by Cat Thompson, Ph.D. and Jennifer Triana, LCSW
    • Third Tuesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m.
      • Register for Tuesday Sessions (PDF) »
    • This monthly group meeting will provide a supportive online conversational space created for any UC San Diego campus employee identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). This space is held with the intention of connecting around our identities and exploring our shared common experiences.
  • Neurodivergent Support Groups, facilitated by Christina Lambert, Ph.D.
    These support groups are for UC San Diego campus employees who have been diagnosed with and/or experience challenges associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Learning Disabilities (LDs).
    • Support Group for Neurodivergent Staff:  Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (Register)
    • Support Group for Neurodivergent Postdoctoral Scholars:  Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Register)
    • Support Group for Parents & Caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids:  Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (Register)
      • These Thursday group meetings provide a caring space for neurodivergent staff, postdoctoral scholars, and employees who are parents & caregivers of neurodivergent kids to support each other in strengthening professional effectiveness, emotional well-being, mindful living and interpersonal dynamics.
      • Email Christina Lambert for more information.
  • Working with Neurodivergence:  Consultation Hour for Faculty, facilitated by Christina Lambert, Ph.D.
    • Thursdays from 11 a.m. – Noon (Register)
    • These Thursday consultation hours provide a caring space where diversity/neurodiversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are valued, faculty can share experiences and explore ways to strengthen professional effectiveness, goal achievement, interpersonal dynamics and allyship & advocacy.
    • Email Christina Lambert for more information.

Parent and Caregiver Support Groups

  • Caregivers and Eldercare Support Group, facilitated by Crystal Green, Ph.D., LMFT, CEAP
    • First Tuesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m.
    • To receive the Zoom meeting invitation, contact Crystal Green at cegreen@ucsd.edu. 
    • Explore our Caregiver and Eldercare Resources 

Acceptable Use Community Guidelines in Support of Trust and Safety

FSAP supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas. We are proud to facilitate meaningful conversations and professional collaborations through the use of Zoom.  Please review our guide (PDF) for the standards of behavior we encourage of all our users.