This May for Mental Health Awareness Month, experts in health and well-being at the University of Michigan invite colleagues to discover the many paths to support themselves and each another.

U-M focuses on system-wide support for well-being through the Well-being Collective. Resources for work units and leaders can support understanding and compassion in teams, and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being can reduce stress and build resilience.

“Finding the right mental health resources for yourself and your colleagues can be transformative,” said Kelcey Stratton, U-M’s chief behavioral health strategist for faculty and staff. “We invite you to explore the many options available to you.”

U-M faculty and staff can access support from the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to register for the Mental Health Awareness Month webinar, scheduled for noon May 12. Representatives from FASCCO and OCWR will discuss their approach to mental health care and describe the wide range of services and resources available to employees. From managing challenges in your personal life to job-related stress, counselors will listen and offer support with empathy and understanding.

“Showing care and kindness to yourself and others is essential for overall well-being,” Stratton said. “If you need support, we’re here to listen and help you on your path to wellness.”

Additional resources for mental and emotional health can be found on the UHR website, including information about health plan benefits, and upcoming support groups and workshops. The Department of Psychiatry is also hosting several events throughout the month.

Suggestions to support mental health from MHealthy Champions

In addition to seeking support from professionals, there are many positive practices individuals and teams can integrate into their everyday work. Team-based practices can help create a positive work environment.

The following quotes, shared by MHealthy Champions, are examples of how faculty and staff can consider simple ways to support mental health and well-being in the workplace.

• “We have a workplace committee that recognizes staff and faculty during anniversaries, births, weddings, etc., as well as sending out ‘Thinking of You’ cards. We also host ‘Mix and Mingle Appreciations,’ Healthcare Profession Recognition observances, and peer nominations for recognition awards.”
• “I’m a visual person and write a list for almost everything. When I reflect on the day and see that I only crossed off a fraction of the tasks I wanted to complete, I don’t feel defeated. I challenge myself to focus on the things I did accomplish, which makes it easier to be kind and give myself grace.”
• “Our leadership models gratitude and recognition of staff at our daily huddle and in a weekly email. It could be a mention from a peer of going above and beyond or comments made by patients.”
• “My team wanted ways to get out in nature during the winter months, so I planned an outing to the Arb to experience the special ‘Earth Song: A Black Nature Walk’ exhibit. As a team, we braved the cold and took turns reading the posted poems aloud to one another, followed by brief discussions of each piece. We ended by sharing what we each took away from the exhibit and also shared appreciation for our ability to engage with nature and to enjoy this experience together as a team.”
• “Our department recently hosted a self-defense class tailored for individuals who frequently work with behaviorally challenging patients. Participants reported feeling more empowered and experienced a strong sense of camaraderie, knowing that their safety and well-being are priorities. In the past, we have also implemented other mental health support practices, such as Stress First Aid rounding. These initiatives collectively underscore our dedication to fostering a workplace environment where staff feel heard, respected, and well-prepared to manage the challenges inherent in their critical roles.”
• “Our team’s director set up a service opportunity for us at Food Gatherers. We toured the facility, learned about the organization’s impact, and sorted through 1,328 pounds of donated produce. It was a great event for all of us to do something together outside of the office. We were able to contribute our time in support of a great cause and really connect personally. Both of those things felt really good.”
• “Our team makes concerted efforts to engage in supporting one another as whole people. For example, at a recent meeting, we prompted our team to highlight aspects of one another that we appreciate. Each person received a big sticky note, and we placed small sticky notes of things we appreciate on each person’s large note. I still have mine hanging up in my office, and it’s nice to read and be reminded of specific reasons I am appreciated.”