Individual well-being is framed by three broad, interconnected categories: (a) individual goals and aspirations, (b) individual human rights and needs being equitably met, and (c) individual contribution to and relationship with the community.
Mental health
Mental health refers to our ability to cope with life stressors, realize our own abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to our communities in meaningful ways. Mental health is a basic human right and is integral to our overall health. Furthermore, mental health underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships, and shape the world we live in (World Health Organization). Mental health exists on a complex spectrum and is experienced differently by different people depending on a variety of factors, including the presence of trauma (including generational trauma), stigma, and varying degrees of access to mental health and substance abuse services.
Historically marginalized racial groups have been subject to racism in the fields of medicine, psychology, and counseling, which results in the persistence of racial disparities and inequity in mental health outcomes.
Community Resources
Aging & Disability Resource Center
A free resource center dedicated to working with older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
Anesis Therapy Center
A state-certified mental health and substance abuse treatment center that is Black woman-owned and specializes in treatment for historically marginalized populations.
Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC)
A person- and family-centered service designed to help all Dane County residents access behavioral health and addiction services in Dane County, regardless of insurance status, financial status, age, identity, ability, or legal status.
Black Emotional Mental Health (BEAM) Collective
A national organization dedicated to the healing, well-being, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.
BIPOC Mental Health Resource Guide
A comprehensive guide created to support clinicians, patients, allies, and individuals in navigating mental health resources and support for BIPOC communities.
Outreach LGBTQ+ Community Center Elder Resources
A comprehensive guide of LGBTQ+ elder services for social and learning activities as well as trainings for caregivers.
Meditation
Meditation is a broad term to describe practices or techniques to transition oneself to an alternative state of mind. Meditation encompasses thousands of years of history and practice and is rooted in ancient Indian culture (Dhyāna). Meditation has multiple purposes including: relaxation, self-exploration, contemplation, learning, training, freedom, and/or spiritual guidance.
Meditation Resources
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AHA Hindu Temple & Cultural Center Yoga Program
Offers classes for traditional Hindu/Vedic yoga and meditation practices. -
Healthy Minds Program App
Provides a combination of podcast-style lessons and both seated and active meditations. You will learn what the science says about the brain while developing skills to cultivate a healthier you. -
Diamond Way Buddhist Center
Offers Buddhist meditation practices and group guided meditation to the public. -
Kadampa Meditation Center
Offers Tibetan Buddhist meditation services. -
Shambhala Center
Offers Shambhala meditation and contemplative arts services.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
A grassroots mental health organization that provides community support, education, and outreach.
RISE
A merger between Community Partnerships, Inc. and Center for Families that provides wraparound wellness, support, stabilization, and care coordination services for children and families in Dane County.
Tellurian
A mental health and substance abuse clinic that provides crisis stabilization, case management, detoxification services, and residential treatment.
Campus Resources
Employee Assistance Office
The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) provides consultation and counseling services for UW–Madison employees.
Institute on Aging
A center for cutting-edge research on health and well-being as individuals travel across the decades of adult life.
LifeMatters
LifeMatters provides a variety of resources including training, financial and legal consultation, time-saving searches, 1-5 sessions with a counselor for personal or work-related issues, and management consultation for workplace concerns.
Suicide Prevention: Recognize, Respond, Refer
Learn more about recognizing common warning signs of suicide and reviewing strategies to respond and refer someone who may be in need of support and/or resources.
Supporting Employee Mental Health
Resources to help managers and mentors to care for their own mental health while supporting the mental health of their students and employees.
Ombuds
The Ombuds Office provides employees with a confidential place to collaboratively explore complaints, clarify issues, and consider options and resources to address concerns.
Financial well-being
Financial well-being is when a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.
Financial Education Resources
The UW–Madison Division of Extension offers a financial education program and resources that help individuals achieve financial well-being.
Physical well-being
Physical well-being is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us to get the most out of our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress.
Employee Disability Resources
The Employee Disability Resources (EDR) Office serves as a campuswide hub for information on the disability accommodation process for employees and applicants.
Campus Flu Clinics
University Health Services (UHS) host annual campus flu clinics, available to all students and employees.
Center for Patient Partnerships
The Center for Patient Partnerships provides patient advocacy services to people in Wisconsin facing life changing health events and those seeking gender affirming care.
COVID-19 Resources
University Health Services (UHS) continues to maintain disease surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses to monitor trends and provide timely campus updates and guidance as needed. For more updated COVID-19 information and resources, please review the UHS COVID-19 resources.
Gender Inclusive Restrooms
Gender inclusive restrooms enable transgender and gender nonconforming people on campus to use restrooms without harassment. They also supports families with young children and people who employ personal care assistants.
Outdoor UW
Outdoor UW offers a variety of different outdoor activities suitable for all interests and levels.
University Recreation and Well-Being
University Recreation and Well-Being (Rec Well) provides programs, services and facilities that promote healthy movement and habits for students and employees.
Wellness Coaching
Rec Well provides wellness coaching sessions to students and employees on campus to co-create holistic health and wellness goals.
Well Wisconsin Health Screenings
The Well Wisconsin program provides resources and support for employees to assess their own health, establish meaningful health and well-being goals, and provides opportunities to engage in learning opportunities to achieve these goals. UW employees, retirees, and their spouses who are currently enrolled in the Wisconsin State Group Health Insurance plan are eligible to participate in the Well Wisconsin program. Employees can earn an annual incentive by participating.