Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support. (Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA). Learn more from Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mental Health Awareness Training Sessions
Learn more about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. EAP sessions on mental health-related topics will be offered weekly during the month of May. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend training sessions and explore mental health resources that are available through the State of Tennessee EAP and behavioral health benefits and other resources. Check below for session titles, dates, times, and locations.
Please register through Learning Curve!
| Week | Date & Time | Session | Description |
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WEEK 1 – Your Mental Health Matters! |
Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. &
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Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace IN-PERSON: Register here |
This session covers depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental health issues that can affect us, our families, friends, and the workplace. Participates will learn important information about what depression and anxiety are, what to do, and where to go to find personal or family support. Explore Resources: Real Story: Glenn Close | TEDWomen | My Mission to Change the Narrative of Mental Health |
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WEEK 2 – It’s All About You! |
Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. &
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Self-Care: Small Changes for Positive Results WEBINAR: Register here |
Many people feel that they must put other people’s needs before their own. But putting aside our own needs is a trap we can easily fall into with aging parents, young children or dependents relying on us. When we think about it our health and happiness are the basic foundations of our life and – just like a house – if the foundations are wobbly so too is the rest of the structure. Once you’ve grasped this fact you then turn to: ‘but when do I have time!?’. We get it. In this module we address both these issues; the need for self-care and the time you can find to do it. Explore Resources:
Real Story: Chloe Hakim-Moore | TEDxMemphis | Stop Chasing Purpose and Focus on Wellness |
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WEEK 3 – Strike a Balance! |
Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. &
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Maintaining Balance in Life IN-PERSON: Register here |
A life that’s out-of-balance can cause high levels of stress. Participants will have an opportunity to learn methods of using available resources to meet their individual needs. And they’ll learn stress management techniques and take home a variety of tools for addressing stress. |
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WEEK 4 – Stress Less!
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Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. &
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How to Better Manage Stress WEBINAR: Register here |
In this program, participants will learn to identify the stressors in their lives and understand the impacts. Focus is placed on the use of positive coping mechanisms to reduce the negative effects of stress. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice relaxation exercises. Explore Resources:
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WEEK 5 – Smile More!
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Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. &
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Embracing Happiness WEBINAR: Register here |
This session aims to educate on the basics behind the science and benefits of happiness. Measuring happiness, the psychology and symptoms of happiness, and strategies to choose happiness are all covered. This course encourages introspection into your own perceptions and feelings of happiness to help determine how you can encourage and embrace happiness in your life. Real Story: V Sam Berns | TEDx MidAtlantic | My Philosophy for a Happy Life |