May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At Carolina, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives.
Our mental health effects how we think, feel and act and includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. We can support the positive mental and social wellbeing of our friends, family, co-workers and ourselves by:
- Taking media breaks. Limit exposure to news and social media.
- Caring for our bodies. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and stay active.
- Making time to unwind. Schedule time for yourself each day for something you enjoy, like reading, meditation, having a cup of tea, walking outdoors, taking a bubble bath, etc.
- Connecting with others. Talk to those you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling and check in on how they feel too.
Resources for Employees
UNC offers a variety of resources to support the positive mental and social wellbeing of its employees. Here are some resources available to you.
Wellness Wednesdays
Join an upcoming Wellness Wednesday webinar:
- May 8 @ 2 p.m. – Character Strengths Unleashed: Discovering the Hidden Gems Within You
- May 15 @ noon – Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace
- May 22 @ noon – Paying Off Debt While Building Wealth
- May 29 @ noon – How to Delegate at Work and in Life
Mindful Meditation Sessions
Bring balance to your day with free 15-30-minute meditations sessions available every week.
- Sign up for via email for Fridays at 12:15- 12:45 p.m. with Jonny Gerkin
- Participate on MS Teams Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 – 12:45 p.m. with Inhaling Positivity
NC Botanical Gardens Health and Wellbeing Programs
Practice your poetry and learn about herbs this month. Sessions are held on Thursdays. NCBG registration required; $12-$19 per session.
Wellness On-Demand Library
Learn something new at a time for you: Check out this collection of online wellness resources including ComPsych podcasts, resources for the department of psychiatry and UNC Wellness Centers.
Heels Care Network
With care.unc.edu, find training, get 24/7 crisis support or refer a friend for help — all in one place.
GuidanceResources
Your free Employee Assistance Program offers 24/7 counseling and self-improvement solutions to everyday issues. To contact, call 877-314-5841 or access online GuidanceResources, including a 10-question stress assessment, with Organization Web ID: TARHEELS.
Remember, support is a phone call away:
- Call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text LOVEIS to 22522 for help with abusive situations.
Carelon Behavioral Health
Looking for self-help resources?
In addition to the online resources available through the EAP, Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health through BCBSNC) provides online resources, including webinars, trainings, videos, and more on a wide range of topics.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Having thoughts of suicide, experiencing a substance use crisis, or any kind of emotional distress?
Call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) to get immediate help.
Additional support with Mental Health America
- Mental Health Calendar (pdf)
- Mental Health Month
- Mental Health Test
- Maintaining Good Mental Health (pdf)
- Recognizing When You Need Help (pdf)