Where to start?

Everyone has mental health and it is very important to keep your wellness healthy. If you believe you are facing mental health challenges, there are many resources available to you. The Engineering Society has developed a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the mental health system at UW: : A Mental Illness How-to for Waterloo.

If you are looking to learn more about mental health, here are several resources that may be of interest:

Mental Health Linktree
Engineering Wellness Program

If you are experiencing a crisis, here are some resources. Please note that if you are experiencing a mental health emergency you should go to Counselling Services or your nearest Emergency Room if it is after hours. The closest Emergency Department to the University of Waterloo is at Grand River Hospital.

Here 24/7
Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Grand River Hospital Mental Health Services

Counselling Options

If you are unsure whether you need to seek help or not, here is a great link to self-assess.

Here are a few issues that a counsellor could help you with:

  • Transition/adjustment
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Family struggles
  • Sexual abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Roommate problems
  • Relationship issues
  • Grief
  • Stress management
  • Self-esteem

Counselling Services

Counselling Services offers both individual and group counselling with no charge to registered students, staff, and faculty, and it is confidential and voluntary. Engineering counselling is offered in the Undergraduate office in E2, and general counselling is offered in Needles Hall.

Contact the Engineering Counselling Office E2 1772, 519-888-4761 ext. 84761 to book an appointment. To book an appointment with Counselling in Needles Hall, go to their office on the second floor, or call 519-888-4567 ext. 32655.

Off Campus

There are also many counselors and psychologists available off campus. These professionals can be found using the Off Campus Mental Health Resource Bank. You can find out if your costs may be covered under the FedS health plan.

MATES

UW MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Education and Support) is a one-on-one peer support program run through WUSA. The Engineering Society has partnered with MATES to run this program for engineering students. By booking an appointment through the UW MATES website, you can be paired with a student in engineering who has been trained extensively to help in areas such as stress, relationships, mental health, transitioning to university life, and adapting to the culture in Canada. To book an appointment, send an email to mates@wusa.ca, or visit the MATES website at https://wusa.ca/services/uw-mates. Appointments are available in-person, virtually through Teams, and through a text-based Live Chat (https://chat.socialintents.com/c/uwmates). You can also drop-in during available hours, which are posted on the MATES website.

If you have any questions about the program in engineering, you can contact our MATES Commissioner (mentalhealth@engsoc.uwaterloo.ca).