Coping in the Face of Uncertainty

While nothing in life is certain, the current situation of this pandemic -- with school closures, sports suspensions, calls to work from home and self-quarantine -- serves to make our lives especially uncertain. During this time of uncertainty and quickly changing circumstances, it is normal for people of all ages to experience to feel worried, anxious, as well as a range of other emotions. For some, this anxiety might not be related to getting sick, but other circumstances such as: lack of access to healthcare, financial need that would require you to keep working, loved ones who are more vulnerable to the virus (adults over age 60 or people with compromised immune systems), or past experiences of trauma that left you feeling unsafe or out of control. We would encourage you to discuss these questions with trusted friends, family members or colleagues: 

1. How am I feeling about the current situation?
2. What fears, anxieties, or worries might be causing my emotions? 
3. How will the current situation impact my life and/or my family?
4. What has helped me deal with stressful situations in the past, and how can I use them now?

Pandemic Teaching and Beyond: Hope and Resilience for Educators 

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In addition to the support line, we will be offering an educator support workshop. Held via Zoom on Thursday 4/22 at 4:30, we will present topics related to stress, trauma, and resilience to keep moving forward.  There will be a general information session, and then small breakout sessions to give you an opportunity to share ideas, talk through stresses, and be present with others who also know what this year was like. Although registration is required, you can participate confidentially (cameras off, no name required) once the workshop begins. If you have any questions, give us a call or text on the support line 303-724-2500.

Get Real Time Support

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Call or Text the CU Anschutz Well-Being Support Line (303-724-2500)

Our goal is to help our community through the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on providing care and support for those impacted by this pandemic.  We are pleased to announce the CU Anschutz Well-Being Support Line (303-724-2500), a free service for healthcare workers and educators -- statewide.   

The support line is available via call or text from 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week.

Who can call?   Any health care provider or health care employee, any teacher or educator,  anywhere in Colorado

What should I expect when I call?   When you call, you will be asked to leave a phone number, where a staffer will call or text you back.  The line is staffed by volunteers who have some background in mental health and have been trained in crisis counseling.  They will listen, offer ideas for problem solving, self-care, or community resources. If you need more support or ongoing mental health care, the staff will help connect you with resources based on your needs. If immediate mental health support is needed, the staff will connect you with Virtual Behavioral Health program or help you to access outside mental health services. 

What do I need to do to connect with you?   Just call or text the number above.  We'll take it from there.

How can I get more information or flyers to share?   Give us a call or text on the support line. We're happy to talk about the services we provide or send you more information.

I would like to volunteer to help on the support line!   We are happy to have other volunteers join us. If you are interested in providing support to the state's health care workers and educators, please click here to fill out our volunteer survey. 

PLEASE NOTE:  This service, which is free of charge, does not establish a provider/patient relationship, is not available for psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluation or medical treatment.  If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, you should contact 911.  Colorado Crisis Services (844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255) is available 24/7.  Information provided by users will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.  In addition, user information will not be shared unless required by law.

Make a Resiliency Plan

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Plan for the future, even a day or week at a time with the current situation in mind. 
Think about what you want to accomplish when all of this passes, for example, a vacation, more education, etc.
What can you do now that may help your friends, family and community?
Make plans with others to check in, talk, do activities (even virtually) together.

Education and General Resources for Families 

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Please see the linked document of family-friendly resources collected from around the internet, vetted by educators and parents, to be used by families who need to keep kids occupied while learning and working remotely. You can also access this list of General Well-Being references to help during this time.

The Dos and Don’ts

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