Discover Mental Health Resources Through Work+Life Connections Counseling
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2020) — Many University of Kentucky faculty and staff members have experienced an increase in uncertainty and change in 2020. During stressful times, it is important that we find time to prioritize mental health. UK Human Resource’s Work+Life Connections counseling is ready to help.
“Every day we’re moved by the resiliency of UK faculty and staff, but we recognize these are very hard and difficult times for so many in our community. We are here to support you based on your individual needs and aspirations,” said Work+Life Connections therapist Eric Wilkinson.
Five free counseling sessions with a certified or licensed therapist are available via telehealth. Faculty, staff, retirees and their family members are all eligible to utilize this service. Therapists can help with many important issues including mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, grief, sleep difficulty, trauma, parenting, identity concerns as well as family or relationship issues, challenges at work and alcohol and drug problems. Appointments can be booked on the newly redesigned Work+Life Connections page.
In addition to meeting with a therapist to improve their mental health, UK employees can also attend free self-care or well-being events hosted by UK HR Work-Life. Upcoming events focus on managing uncertainty, parenting and child care, depression, mindfulness and self-compassion, sleep, emotional eating, and elder care support.
One self-care event that brings people together to socialize and support one another is Midday Mingle. This group meets on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Participants do not need to sign up and can simply join via the Zoom link. A full calendar of upcoming events can be viewed here.
UK family members are not alone. Work+Life Connections' community of therapists are available to assist during difficult times, and you can always reach out when you need guidance. For more information about mental health services and events for UK employees, please contact worklife@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.