Main Content
Tips for Coping
Although many are likely experiencing similar levels of anxiety about the overturn of Roe v. Wade, acknowledge that others may be experiencing more anxiety than you while others may be experiencing less. Our values, experiences, personal circumstances, and coping strategies shape our comfort level with the decision and the respective anxiety we may feel about it. Consider setting boundaries around the people, news outlets and media who may cause you distress around this topic.
Schedule in time in your day-to-day life for self-care activities. Activities that reduce your stress, help ground you in the present moment and identify feelings and emotions are great self-care strategies. Consider incorporating practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation to help you focus on the present and move your thoughts away from the anxiety-inducing concerns. Maintain a routine that works for you:
- Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night and get up at the same time each day
- Enjoy satisfying and filling meals and snacks
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise in ways that are meaningful to you
- Set at least one accomplishable daily goal
- Be mindful of moderation and practice harm reduction strategies if you choose to use drugs and alcohol
Staying connected with supportive family, friends, and loved ones that you feel safe with during times of change and stress can be a helpful coping strategy.
Know Your Options & Resources
Psychological and Wellness Services (PAWS) provides intentional, problem-focused mental health counseling, aimed at building better skills and exploring alternative ways of coping. All services are free and confidential for current students. Students have access to PAWS during summer quarter if they were registered for spring 2022 and are registered for autumn 2022 quarter.
The UW Tacoma has partnered with MySSP to provide current students 24/7 access to free, real-time, confidential mental health support. MySSP counselors are licensed mental health therapists with experience supporting the unique challenges faced by college students and are familiar with UW Tacoma resources. Students may also access MySSP at any time, day or night, for crisis support.
Planned Parenthood provides high-quality, inclusive, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services; provides medically accurate and age-appropriate education that advances the understanding if human sexuality, healthy relationships, and body autonomy; and advocates for public policies that protect and expand reproductive rights and access to health care. Men and male-identified and non-binary folks are welcome to use services at Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood also provides abortion services based on location and the state the clinic is located in.
Make an appointment online or over the phone to the Tacoma Health Center location. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale.
Services at the Tacoma Health Center location include:
- Abortion
- Primary Care
- Birth Control
- Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
- STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines
- Pregnancy Testing & Services
- Abortion Referrals
- HIV Services
- Men's Health Care
- Women's Health Care
- Transgender Hormone Therapy
The Washington State Department of Health provides is great starting point for any Washington state resident looking for information on abortion, including the level of accessibility, how to find an abortion provider, how to pay for an abortion, insurance coverage in Washington State and more.
Student Health provides an overview of sexual health information including STIs, STI testing and prevention, HIV, contraception, and more. The page also includes links to more specific topics such as abortion.
Order free safer sex supplies through UW Tacoma Student Health and discreetly pick-up on campus.
Once you complete your order, the Health Promotion Specialist will reach out to you via your UW email address to confirm your order and schedule a time for you to pick up your supplies. The Condom Order Form is not anonymous however order recipient names are private. There is no limit to the number of times a student may place an order, though bulk orders may not be met based on inventory size. Contact the Specialist at madieb@uw.edu with questions and concerns.
Supplies are based on current inventory and include:
- Latex, lubricated external (male) condoms (10 count)
- Latex, non-lubricated external (male) condom (10 count)
- Non-latex, lubricated external (male) condoms (10 count)
- Non-latex, silicone-based lubricated internal (female) condoms (5 count)
- Single use water-based lubricant packets (10 count)
- Specialty condoms (studded condoms, extra strength, etc. based on current inventory) (5 count)