Rooted and connected: Caring for our minds, together

Dear UIC students,

Feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty?

You are not alone.

Uncertain times can be especially challenging, and any feelings that surface — fear, frustration, sadness or confusion — are completely valid. We may find our minds wandering, making it difficult to focus during class, engage in hobbies that we enjoy or reach out to our communities for support. When this happens, it is important to take a step back and remember that here at UIC, your health and well-being is a priority. Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your physical health, and we’re here to support you along the way.

Where do I start?
The UIC Counseling Center can help. Call us at 312-996-3490 and let us know you are seeking support as you navigate uncertainty. Our staff will help you schedule an appointment to discuss the services that may best fit your needs.

• Schedule a same-day single-session appointment on our website.
• Join our virtual drop-in space every Wednesday at noon.
• Find self-help resources on our online resource library or learn about community therapy providers with our community provider database.
• If you are looking for virtual therapy in the evenings or on the weekends, schedule an appointment with TimelyCare.

Acknowledge this is difficult
It is OK to hold many feelings at once. Recognize and tend to those emotions without judgment. If they start to feel overwhelming, remember you are not alone.

Care for your mind
Start small and slow. Take a moment to pause. Breathe. Notice the colors around you. These small moments can help ground you in the here and now.

Interested in practicing? Find tips and exercises on our Instagram page.

You deserve support
Community can be deeply grounding, whether you:

• Spend time with loved ones
• Have coffee with a friend
• Attend a religious or spiritual service
• Connect with campus resources

Reach out to your community and the resources around you. Friends and loved ones can offer connection, comfort and understanding when life feels heavy. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re a burden. It means you are honoring your needs and trusting your community. Small conversations, shared moments or simply sitting together can make a big difference. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Being with others reminds us that we are worthy of care, belonging and healing.

The UIC community is here to support you

• If you are unsure where to start, the Office of the Dean of Students can help you navigate your concerns through individualized support and referrals to appropriate campus resources.
• Health and well-being
  • Counseling Center: We are here to walk alongside you — wherever you are, whatever you’re feeling.
  • Wellness Center: View our self-care resources under Caring for Our Flames.
  • Recreation and Wellbeing: Destress in one of our many programs or walk on our indoor track!
  • Public health initiatives: Looking for food assistance or need help navigating health resources? Email us at wellbeing@uic.edu or browse our resources.
• UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change
  • Interested in engaging with new people? Explore one of our seven Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change.
• Office of Applied Psychological Services
  • This mental-health clinic in the Department of Psychology at UIC is open to UIC students, employees and members of the community.
• Neuropsychiatric Institute
  • The institute, part of University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics, has a variety of mental health services for UIC students, employees and community members.
• Academic support
  • UIC has several academic resources around campus. Whether you are looking for mentoring or tutoring, check out our offerings.
• Center for Student Involvement
  • Looking to try something new? Check out the many student organization offerings.

In health and community,

UIC Student Health and Wellbeing

For more information, please contact:
UIC Student Health and Wellbeing
wellbeing@uic.edu