Support during times of uncertainty

The regular and ever-changing news about COVID-19 can leave many of us feeling worried and unsure. Support is available to help you cope with stress and isolation during this time of uncertainty.
Counselling support
Your mental health is important. Student Development and Counselling is available for support by phone at 403.284.7023, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.
Students can also reach out directly to community resources for support, including:
- Calgary Distress Centre
Chat and text support available 24/7
Contact: 403.266.HELP (4357) - Community Resource Team
Chat and text support available 24/7
Contact: 403.299.9699 - Family Violence Info Line
Call toll-free 24/7
Contact: 403.310.1818 -
Support available 24/7
Contact: 211
Spiritual support
Interfaith Centre chaplains and staff are available for students seeking spiritual support during this time. Contact us Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm by email at interfaith@sait.ca or contact a chaplain.
Online support
Social distancing and self-isolation can be an opportunity for self-care. Use this time to step back from the fast pace of life and establish healthy online connections and coping tools. There are a variety of self-help resources available online.
Untangle life's stresses and challenges with TAO
Get free, unlimited access to videos and skill-building exercises from your phone, tablet or desktop. Sign up with your SAIT email address.
๐ Check this out: Try a personal wellness course through TAO. Topics include managing uncertainty, relaxation, and worry less.
Build your resilience with headversity app
Use the app to develop skills — self-expertise, mindfulness, mental fitness, mental health, hardiness, energy management — and tools to thrive during times of adversity. Learn more, download the app and request the passcode.
Resilience 101: Tools for Lasting Success
Register for Resilience 101 online by emailing resilience.101@sait.ca.
Ideas for healthy coping
Establish meaningful connections
Shift from texting to voice or video calling to feel more connected to others.
Set boundaries for yourself
Limit the time you spend looking at news to an hour a day.
Replace fear with facts
Make use of credible news sources and avoid panic and misinformation.
Look forward to the future
Humans have an incredible capacity to adapt and bounce back in difficult times.
Connect with nature
Getting outside has a number of benefits.
๐ถ Exercise in fresh air will make you feel better and contribute to keeping your immune system healthy.
๐ Looking at nature can remind you of all that is alive and well. At this season, birds are starting to sing and some are getting ready to nest. Watching this can be comforting, uplifting or at least pleasantly distracting.
Directly address your worry and anxiety
There are several helpful strategies for this. Try writing down your thoughts when you find yourself ruminating or obsessing. Go back through them and note which seem like beliefs vs. facts. Ask yourself if the thought is helpful or unhelpful.
Take a break and calm your mind
Practicing mindfulness can help improve memory and reduce negative emotions.
Explore mindfulness practices with TAO or try incorporating a mindfulness podcast or app into your life.
๐ Check this out: Make a moment mindful with these tips from SAIT’s Student Development and Counselling team.
๐ Tune in to Mindful Moments weekly and learn to integrate mindfulness into your daily life.
Establish a daily routine
Try to make the unpredictable feel more manageable and in your control by establishing a daily routine. Make self-care a priority.
We've got you covered
Review a list of additional student supports available.
Remember, even if you’re not physically on campus, you’re still part of the SAIT community.
Current information and a set of evolving frequently asked questions are also available at sait.ca/covid19 .