Ways to Support Yourself & Others
There are many small steps you can take to care for yourself and others in our community.
For Students
BU Student Wellbeing and Student Health Services have resources to support you and other BU students.
A place to start might be to:
- Reflect on the dimensions of wellbeing and what they mean to you.
- Create a routine that supports your personal wellbeing.
- Explore campus resources for all areas of wellbeing.
Other options can be to:
- Take a mental health screening for anonymous feedback and recommendations.
- Learn about common concerns like anxiety, stress, body image, and more.
- Connect into an anonymous, 24/7 online peer support community
- Order a sleep kit for free tools to support sleep.
- Download Headspace for free mindfulness and meditation exercises.
Additional resources to explore include:
- Support for recovery from substance use.
- The BU Food Pantry, for help with food insecurity.
- Ways to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.
For Staff & Faculty
BU Faculty & Staff Assistance Office and Employee Wellness have resources for all BU employees and members of their households.
You might start by exploring:
- Ways to cope with the current moment.
- Tips and resources for taking care of yourself.
- Identity-based resources for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
- BU Employee Wellness offerings and benefits.
Other tools include:
- Mental health self-assessments for free and anonymous feedback.
- The Headspace meditation app—free to employees and family members.
- Mental health apps recommended by BU staff experts.
Some additional resources available are:
- Basic needs resources for concerns including food and housing insecurity.
- Tips for managers to support employees around distressing current events.
- Workshops and groups to build coping skills, mindfulness practice, and more.
- Support for substance use, addiction, and recovery.
BU Mental Health Support
You don’t have to worry alone. Whether you, or someone you care about, is struggling, there are resources to help. Free and confidential mental health resources are available through BU.
For Students
Student Health Services (SHS) provides many free and confidential services for eligible students, including:
- Counseling for anxiety, depression, substance use, and more.
- Groups to connect students in welcoming and supportive spaces.
- Psychiatry and medication management to explore medication options.
- Referrals to mental health services off campus and in the community.
- Survivor services for experiences of interpersonal violence or other trauma.
- Emergency help for crises related to mental health or interpersonal violence.
Sometimes the best kind of help comes from someone who’s walked a similar path. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, going through a tough time, or just need to talk to someone who gets it, there are other students who can help:
- Connect with other students around the world on Togetherall. It’s anonymous, available 24/7, and moderated by mental health professionals.
- Talk with another BU student who gets it through All Ears. These trained peer listeners have been there and can help you find a way forward.
Most students can use SHS mental services and programs. Learn more about eligibility, confidentiality, interpreter services, how to make an appointment, and more.
For Faculty & Staff
BU’s Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential help for personal, work-related, and family concerns. Services are available to BU employees and their household family members. Services are offered in person on the Charles River and Medical campuses, as well as by phone and Zoom. Interpreter services are available. Their licensed staff provide:
- Counseling that is free, confidential, and short-term.
- Referrals to mental health and substance use treatment.
- Consultation for managers around sensitive workplace matters.
- Crisis support for mental health emergencies.
Anyone can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.