Let's Be There for Each Other and Make Mental Health a Priority Every Day
While we observe Mental Health Awareness Month every May, being aware of your mind and mood is important every day. Mental and emotional health is an essential part of your overall wellness. And it deserves your ongoing attention and care.
A simple way to nourish yourself and others is by regularly reaching out to those in your life. It's like the example in the video about the peony garden. Social connection is the twine that helps each stem in a peony bush to support the others, so everyone can bloom.
We're Here for You
If you or someone you know could use some extra support, you can find resources, events, and professional counseling here. Scroll on to see what's available.
Where to Start? Check-in with an Online Screening
How are you feeling today? As you navigate life's ups and downs, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, your energy level, and your overall mood each day. Just starting your day by asking yourself, “How am I doing today?” gives you a moment to focus on yourself. If you'd like to dig a little deeper, you could try an online mental and emotional health screening.
How Can You Feel Better? Talk with Someone
If you're having a tough time or just have some questions, talking to someone like a friend, or loved one can make a big difference. Or, perhaps you'd like to explore professional and confidential counseling. Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling & Workplace Resilience and Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office are here for you at no charge. If you'd like to see a counselor in your community, or online, all U-M health plans cover counseling.
Discussion Groups and Events
Throughout the year there are often special events, groups, and workshops available to you.
- Take a look at the current mental health presentations and support groups available in May.
- Register for "Coping with Grief: Education and Support", a free Zoom meeting on May 30 at noon.
- Register for "Discovering Compassion in Loss: Building Sustainability", an event on May 15. This event is sponsored by the Michigan Medicine program Honoring Life & Loss: Grief Awareness for Faculty and Staff. The attendance fee is $50.
- Register for "Let's Pause: Practices and Resources to Care for Your Mental Health", a free Zoom webinar on May 25 at noon.
- Check out events in May from the Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry.
Take a Break in Nature
Need a break? Check out the Nature Rx app, part of the Michigan App!
Show Your Support
You can help support Mental Health awareness. These resources were created for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but the message and resources are important all year long.
- Post this flier in your workplace.
- Add a mental health Zoom background to show your support in virtual meetings. Here's an option with all text to the side.
- Add a mental health wallpaper to your mobile phone.
Looking for support for students?
Check out the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offices for students: CAPS Ann Arbor, CAPS Dearborn, CAPS Flint. And find more resources on the Well-Being Collective site.
