9 Mental Health Resources for BU Faculty and Staff
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9 Mental Health Resources for BU Faculty and Staff
For October’s World Mental Health Month, find a list of some of the programs, events, and resources offered to employees to help build resilience and improve overall well-being
Considering the pressures of academic life, professors and mentors often remind students of the importance of caring for their emotional well-being. So it’s a powerful message when faculty and staff acknowledge that mental health can affect everyone, including themselves.
In recognition of October’s Mental Health Awareness month, we are highlighting nine resources courtesy of the BU Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, because everyone’s mental health matters. These tools are designed to ensure that BU faculty and staff have access to the support they need to care for their emotional well-being. These resources are in addition to monthly one-off events; see a full calendar here.
“Our faculty and staff give so much of themselves to support students and the University’s mission. It’s essential that they also have a place to turn for their own support,” says Karen Brouhard, BU Faculty & Staff Assistance Office senior director. “Accessible mental health resources remind our employees that their well-being matters too, and when they’re cared for, the whole campus community thrives.”
Check out these offerings:
1. Headspace
BU faculty and staff have free access to Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app available on a computer or a mobile device. Headspace offers playlists for focus and mindfulness practices, guided meditations, movement practices, educational videos, blog posts, and episodes on mindfulness, stress management, and sleep. To receive a free BU employee membership, choose the “Join Headspace” button on this link. You will be directed to enter your BU log-in and Kerberos password.
2. OurRelationship
New this year, OurRelationship is a research-backed program that helps individuals and couples improve communication and connection and reduce conflict, with the goal of a healthier relationship. Receive free access on this link. You will be redirected to pick your program and structure. You can choose a self-guided program or one guided by a coach.
3. FSAO programming and workshops
The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office offers workshops that focus on the mental health of University staff.
Check out Mental Health Awareness at Work, happening October 29, noon to 12:30 pm, on Zoom. Facilitated by Brouhard, the presentation goes over how to offer care to colleagues and protect your well-being at work. Brouhard will also discuss resources to build a more supportive and inclusive workspace that promotes mental health. You can register for the workshop using this link. Find the full list of October programs here.
4. Faculty & Staff Community Networks
Through BU Diversity & Inclusion, Faculty & Staff Community Networks and groups foster a sense of belonging and well-being, offering support, networking opportunities, and more for employees who share various identities, ranging from those who identify as first-gen to folks who are LGBTQIA+. See the list and schedule for these meet-ups here.
5. Mental health assessments
BU provides anonymous online self-assessments to help faculty and staff evaluate potential mental health conditions through AiBerry. On the page, users are prompted to select how they are feeling (“I stay worried and tense,” “I use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco to feel better,” “I’m feeling down or empty,” and more). The screening then provides confidential computer-generated results and offers resources to find further support. Access the self-assessments here.
6. Sargent Choice cooking demonstrations
On various dates during the fall semester, the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center offers virtual programming on cooking healthy dishes. Covered topics include nutritional benefits of seasonal ingredients and how to prepare them, how to modify recipes based on personal preferences, and cooking techniques for people with disabilities. Upcoming dates are November 14 and December 11, from noon to 1 pm. Register here.
7. FitRec activity breaks
FitRec is offering virtual opportunities for BU staff to keep their bodies and minds healthy with various classes. Classes include Evening Zumba, Stretch and Breathe, and Mobility and Myofascial Release. Find more information and register for classes at this link.
8. Sargent Choice nutrition workshops
Four interactive workshops from Sargent Choice Nutrition will provide tools and strategies to support staff in establishing sustainable habits for their nutrition goals and lifestyle. The workshops are virtual and free for all BU employees. Upcoming workshops include Nutrition Opportunities and Meal Planning, Thoughtful Eating, and Sports Nutrition. Find more information and register on this link.
9. Free counseling sessions
FSAO offers employees and their household family members ages 17 and older up to 6 free sessions of short-term in-person or virtual counseling per issue, per year. Their staff of professional counselors have experience helping people with a range of concerns, including stress, family and relationships, loss and grief, self-care and wellbeing, and substance use and addiction. They can also offer a referral for further resources at BU or in the community. Find more information about their offerings here.