In the United States, one in five adults lives with a mental illness and more than 50 percent of those living with a condition do not receive mental health treatment or services. At the University of Miami, mental health professionals and leaders are encouraging faculty and staff to normalize well-being, and as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing the free resources that are available through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).
Check-in with yourself. Maybe it’s the first time you’ve thought about your mental health or you’re interested in gauging your mental wellness and you aren’t sure where to start? FSAP offers a free, anonymous online screening tool that will help you get a better understanding of how you fare. Based on your responses, the tool will provide guidance on the next steps and offer suggestions on how to improve or continue working on your mental wellness.
Harness the power of good stress. Join Firdaus S. Dhabhar, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and UM's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, to learn how you can manage various types of stress to promote health and well-being. The workshop is free and available on the Coral Gables campus on May 16, the medical campus on May 22, and at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on May 23. RSVP today to save your seat!
Schedule a free consultation. Are you ready to speak to a professional? UM’s FSAP makes it easy. Schedule a free one-on-one consultation with a licensed therapist. Your confidential session will provide an opportunity to discuss your concerns, whether personal or work-related. If continued support or follow-up is needed, you will be presented with options for additional services. Recommendations may also include referrals to resources outside of FSAP.
Take a (lunch) break. Throughout the year, FSAP offers free lunchtime seminars on all three campuses and satellite offices (upon request). The seminar topics aim to enhance organizational health while nurturing conversations that supporting work/life balance and a health-conscious work place. This month check out developing resilience and emotional fortitude or mental health wellness.
Explore mindfulness. Recharge, refocus, and reclaim the day with free guided mindfulness practice sessions. Hosted during convenient afternoon and lunch hours, the sessions are free and don’t require an RSVP. Sessions are regularly held at the Lowe Art Museum and Otto G. Richter Library on the Coral Gables campus and at UHealth’s Wellness Center on the Miller campus.
Lead the way. Even if mental health isn’t a personal concern, FSAP consultants offer customized seminars for UM leaders wishing to support employee well-being. Offerings accommodate the specific needs of the leadership team and may be delivered as part of a team's retreat programming.
Support our students. In a University setting, many faculty and staff members work closely with students and therefore should be familiar with the services available at the UM Counseling Center (UMCC). The Center is available for students seeking treatment for a variety of difficulties, including mental health crises that require psychological and psychiatric intervention. Additionally, UMCC also welcomes students who are interested in learning more about general well-being and preventative measures related mental health. To make an appointment, call 305-284-5511 or visit the UMCC website for details on the services available.
