Ohio State supports efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health and increase access to helpful resources. In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we offer this compilation of mental health and well-being resources offered to benefits-eligible Ohio State employees and their families.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. Call or Text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Ask for and receive help: Ohio State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides short-term counseling and many other work-life services help reduce stress, improve mental health, and make life easier. All benefits-eligible employees, their dependents, household members and parents/parents-in-law can use EAP resources. The EAP refers you to information and resources for emotional and mental health support, legal consultation and guidance, financial management education and providers for home and family needs.
Access self-help programming:
myStrength is a digital program for emotional health to help with life’s evolving challenges whenever you need it most. Log into your Virgin Pulse app to participate. Complete the onboarding assessment, choose your journey, learn coping strategies, and follow guided meditations to build a healthier mind for a stronger you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, earn double points in Your Plan for Health (YP4H) by completing a myStrength onboarding assessment May 15-31, 2023.
RethinkCare is an evidence-based digital training mobile app 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.
Partner with a health coach: 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.
Get reimbursed for well-being expenses: Ohio State offers eligible employees the option of using a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) to reimburse personal expenses related to health, fitness, family, emotional and social wellness. The LSA reimburses you up to $125 quarterly (a total of $500 per year) for an eligible service or expense. Examples of allowable expenses include stress management apps, mindfulness classes, self-help books, sleep products, yoga sessions, massage therapy, personal growth coaching and more. View a full list of eligible expenses.
Use available paid time off: Taking time away from work can improve your mental health. Whether you schedule a vacation or need time off to care for yourself or family, Ohio State’s paid time-off policy provides you ways to access the appropriate benefit. For example, sick time can be used when you are unable to perform your job duties due to your own mental, emotional, or physical illness, injury, or health condition. Your need may be short-term or long-term that may result from different types of conditions or symptoms, such as flu, back injury, a cold, depression, diabetes, sprained ankle, acute anxiety, a stomach virus, etc. See the policy FAQs for more detail.
Join the community: Through YP4H, participants gather virtually each week to learn about topics related to healthy eating, active living, stress management, financial wellness and more. View the YP4H events calendar to find and register for educational health and wellness webinars, virtual yoga and tai chi classes, Monday Mindfulness sessions, guided meditation on Fridays and more.
Equip your team: Managers play a key role in supporting employee well-being. It is important for supervisors to be familiar with the resources available to employees. Visit the wellness toolkit for managers and supervisors and find ways to support your direct reports.