Support for your Mental and Emotional Health in 2021

peony flower

Are you looking for a little support? Join the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) for a Virtual Presentation or Discussion Group. To attend any presentation or group, email [email protected] and list the session you would like to enroll in. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. Be sure to indicate your preferred date.

Additionally, FASCCO is here for you. Confidential counseling and consultation sessions are available to provide support to U-M faculty and staff with phone sessions and limited video sessions as appropriate. Call 734-936-8660 or email [email protected] to schedule.

Presentations

NEW: Overview of Anxiety Disorders & Other Mental Health Conditions

  • Thursday, January 14, 10:30 - 11:30 am

This session will present an overview of Anxiety Disorders and a Summary of major mental health conditions along with commonly used intervention strategies.

New: Grief 101

  • Wednesday, January 20,  Noon - 1:00 pm
  • Wednesday, March 10, Noon - 1:00 pm

This workshop addresses loss across the lifespan but particularly focuses on the death of a loved one. Anticipatory, normal, and complicated grief will be identified as well as grief responses in children briefly addressed. Some common theories of grief will also be explored. The emphasis is on normalizing grief and providing resources to cope.

Understanding Mental Health Conditions and Having a Conversation of Concern

  • Tuesday, January 19, 11:00 am - Noon

Do you know that an estimated 1 in 5 Americans (43.4 million adults) experience a mental illness in a given year? Given that you, a family member or a coworker might be that one individual, perhaps you can benefit from a better understanding of how mental and emotional health conditions impact the work environment, our friends, families, or ourselves.  Join us to discuss these issues, learn about emotional/mental health conditions, and discuss myths about mental health.  In addition, gain some tips on how to have a conversation with someone you have a concern about.  

Self-care During Times of Transition

  • Monday, January 25, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 28, 9:30- 10:30 am

This session focuses on tools and skills for prioritizing self-care, specifically during times of transition. Don't have a lot of time to squeeze it in? No problem. Folks will walk away with a tangible plan and self-care techniques that they can use both at home and at work- even when their schedules are tight. 

Discussion Groups

Virtual Discussion Groups facilitated by FASCCO is a good way to see if small group discussions can be helpful for you. To help facilitate discussion, each group has a maximum of 20 participants. More groups may be scheduled to accommodate demand.  You can see more mental and emotional health classes here.

New: Covid Effects Discussion - For those Who have Someone Close Diagnosed

  • Tuesday, January 12, 3:30 - 4:45 pm
  • Thursday, January 14, 12:00 -1:15 pm

This group will encourage participants to reflect on how covid has impacted their lives and share coping strategies. It is open to those who have had a family member, friend, or colleague affected with a Covid diagnosis.

WFH Strategies & Skills

  • Tuesday, January 12,  11:30 - 12:45 am 
  • Thursday, January 21, 11:30 - 12:45 pm

In these trying times, we are all trying new things. For many, that means working from home (WFH) Join this FASCCO facilitated discussion group to connect with peers. Together you will explore strategies that work for you, plus pick up some practical tools & tips to stay connected with colleagues and manage your time.

Stress Management Groups

  • Wednesday, January 20, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm 
  • Wednesday, January 27, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm 

FASCCO is offering a discussion group for faculty and staff regarding stress management. The primary focus will be on discussion of stress management strategies, such as cognitive and behavioral approaches, mindfulness, exercise, guided imagery, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and social support seeking. The format will be informal and

Interactive.

Working From Home with Young Children 

  • Monday, January 11, 1:00 - 2:15 pm

So many of us are working from home with the world’s most distracting co-workers - our kids! Join FASCCO counselor Jill Castro for a WFH parent support group in Zoom. She’s a parent of a 3-year old and will facilitate a virtual support group to offer parents a space to vent, provide support for one another, discuss challenges, and celebrate small victories.

Dealing with Uncertain Times

  • Thursday, January 21, 11:30 - 12:45 pm

With so much change, and so much unknown about our current day-to-day, it’s understandable to feel anxiety. Come join our group and let’s explore ways to deal with uncertainty.

Fostering Personal Awareness and Resilience During the Pandemic  (Three-part series; must attend all sessions) 

  • Monday, March 1, Noon – 1:15 pm 
  • Monday, March 8, Noon – 1:15 pm 
  • Monday, March 15, Noon – 1:15 pm 

FASCCO's 3-week interactive discussion group will focus on the creative expression of self during challenging times.  We will explore barriers to living fully, self-care and compassion, wisdom and resiliency.  Come prepared to interact with others and consider living fully during the pandemic.  Handouts will be given in advance of each session; but these are "discussion groups" so participation is necessary. 

Fostering Social Connections/Strategies in Various Environments (Three-part series; must attend all sessions) 

  • Wednesday, February 10, Noon – 1:15 pm 
  • Wednesday, February 17, Noon  – 1:15 pm
  • Wednesday, February 24, Noon – 1:15 pm 

This 3-session experiential discussion group will focus on the art of developing conversations in formal and informal settings, Barriers to communication as well as cultural and social norms will be explored. Participants will learn active and reflective listening skills, conversation starters and resources for engagement.

Ongoing Groups

Grief Discussion Group

  • First Thursdays of the Month, Noon

New Mom’s Group

  • Second Thursday of the month, Noon -1:15pm (Pre-registration is required on a monthly basis)

Contact Jill Castro at [email protected] or (734) 936-8660. 

Space is limited - Register early

To attend any of these presentations email [email protected] and list the session you would like to enroll in.

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