In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the mental health and well-being resources offered to benefits-eligible Ohio State employees and their families.
Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized during May as part of a national movement to fight stigma, provide support, educate and advocate in support of people with mental illness and their families. Across the country, many people are facing anxiety, depression and burnout at alarmingly high rates. At Ohio State, we support efforts that reduce the stigma of mental health and increase access to resources to help our employees and their family members.
Ohio State offers resources through various convenient formats. The below programs are available to help employees and their families be proactive in maintaining their mental well-being, as well as managing times of difficulty in their personal or work life.
Employee Assistance Program: The Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has expanded its resources to support employees and their families on a wide range of challenges, responsibilities and concerns. With a new online member portal, digital tools, well-being resources and work-life services, the Ohio State EAP is available to provide assistance. Faculty and staff have access to counseling services, resource locators for child or adult care, tools to improve financial wellness, legal services, travel planning assistance, cleaning services locators, professional development, and others.
Counseling Services: If you would like to talk through a particular situation or get help with an issue you are facing, you have access to a nationwide network of counseling professionals. With the Ohio State EAP, you or your family members are provided with up to five confidential counseling sessions, per issue, per year, at no cost to you. You can schedule an appointment for in-person, video, or phone- based counseling.
myStrength: myStrength is a digital program for emotional health to help with life’s evolving challenges. From learning activities and guided meditations to skill-building courses, with myStrength, you get personalized support to build a healthier mind for a stronger you. Track your health, enjoy interactive activities, and become inspired by quotes and videos with myStrength. Offered through Your Plan for Health (YP4H), Ohio State’s employee wellness program, you’ll find help for stress, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain and more. You will get a plan designed just for you. You can utilize online tools or connect live with a clinical coach.
Whil: Whil is an evidence-based digital training program offered through YP4H that leverages neuroscience, positive psychology, and adult learning theory. Enjoy on-demand access to mini-courses with audio and video sessions, tips, articles, and exercises that will enable you to build easy-to-learn skills. Whil’s mindfulness content is centered around three tracks:
- Move: Yoga to exercise the body and mind
- Thrive: Stress resiliency, focus, and sleep habits
- Lead: Emotional intelligence, teamwork, and leadership skills
Personal Health Coaching: If you have a personal health goal that includes managing your stress or overall well-being, improving your sleep health or practicing mindfulness, Ohio State Health Coaches are happy to help you set realistic goals and provide you with support and resources to motivate you along the way towards your goals.
Events and webinars: View the YP4H events calendar to find educational health and wellness webinars that focus on topics such as healthy eating, active living, stress management and many other health topics. You can register and join virtual yoga and tai chi classes, Monday Mindfulness sessions, guided meditation on Fridays and more.