May is Mental Health Awareness Month around the country. Mental health advocates will use the month to advocate for and support people facing mental health challenges and encourage all to prioritize their mental wellness. At NC State, the focus on mental health will begin in late April and continue in May. HR Wellness will offer webinars, virtual stretch breaks, a virtual pet show and tell and a bingo game to help members of the Pack concentrate on their mental wellness. Please take steps to maintain your mental health and participate in the activities listed below.
Play Mental Health Awareness Bingo
The Mental Health Awareness Bingo Game encourages participants to participate in mental health-related activities. HR Wellness will select 12 random bingo participants to receive an NC State mug or cup. Here is how to play the game:
- Download this bingo card.
- Complete four or five mental health-related activities listed on the card in a row, diagonally or in a column. You only need to complete four activities if you use the free space on the card. Please complete activities during the challenge period, which is April 24-May 15.
- Use the card to check off your completed activities.
- Attach the card to this form and submit it. The deadline to submit a card is May 22.
If you submit a card that shows you followed the instructions above, HR Wellness will enter your name into the drawing.
See this FAQ if you have questions about how to play the game. If you can’t find the answer to your question in the FAQ, contact Kelly Vance, wellness, child care and perks coordinator, at kdvance2@ncsu.edu.
Attend a Mental Health Wellness Webinar
The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program will offer important mental health-related webinars. You must register to participate. A description of each webinar and when they will be available are below.
Mental Health Awareness for Leaders
Friday, April 26, 10-11 a.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 9-10 a.m.
Wednesday, May 15, 3-4 p.m.
Managing individuals who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns can be difficult for managers. It is not uncommon for managers to feel uncomfortable in this aspect of their role. Mental Health Awareness for Leaders will cover ways employees may present their distress and offer insights and strategies on forging supportive empathic alliances within the role of manager. The session will identify common mistakes managers make in responding to employees who are in distress and explain communication skills that express support and convey positive expectancy. Participants also will learn how to help employees access FASAP resources.
Mental Health Awareness
Tuesday, April 30, 10-11 a.m.
Monday, May 6, 3-4 p.m.
Everyone experiences symptoms of mental illness. Too frequently the response to those symptoms in the workplace is confusion, fear, judgment, avoidance and outright rejection. Those responses lead to employees experiencing worsening symptoms and a deterioration of performance. During this webinar, participants will learn how to address signs and symptoms of distress and effective ways of supporting co-workers.
Running on “E”: Adding Energy and Fun to Your Life
Friday, May 3, 9-10 a.m.
Are you working longer hours and have increased responsibilities? Are you experiencing constant change, an accelerated pace of business and intensified pressure? If so, those things don’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy your work. This workshop will help you survive and thrive in today’s high-pressure world. By unleashing your energy, igniting your enthusiasm and finding fun in your job, you’re sure to maximize your work performance and even enjoy it.
Breathing Techniques To Relieve Stress and Improve Health
Monday, May 6, 11 a.m.-noon
Stress can compromise healthy breathing habits, but practicing breathwork can reduce anxiety, encourage sleep and, in some cases, lower blood pressure. Come learn a variety of quick, easy breathing techniques during this webinar.
Hobbies for Mental Health
Wednesday, May 8, 2-3 p.m.
Register for this webinar to learn how hobbies can help us be mentally and physically healthier people for ourselves and our loved ones. By engaging in activities we truly enjoy, we are more likely to be the best version of ourselves. Too often, we end up either passing the time or prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
Register To Participate in Virtual Stretch Break Sessions
Stretching may have physical and mental health benefits such as reducing stress and improving range of motion. HR Wellness will host a series of online stretch break sessions. You must register to participate. Registrants will receive an email that will include a link that will give them access to the sessions. Here are the dates and times for the sessions:
- Friday, April 26, 11:15-11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, April 30, noon-12:15 p.m.
- Friday, May 3, 10:05-10:20 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 7, 11-11:15 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 14 1-1:15 p.m.
Bring Your Pet to the Virtual Pet Show and Tell
Did you know pets can help improve your mood and lower your stress level? HR Wellness will host a virtual pet show Tuesday, May 7, from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. for employees to show off and introduce their furry and nonfurry friends. You must register to participate. Each participant will have a minute or so to introduce their pet on camera. If you don’t have a pet but want to see all the cute pets, you can still register to join the fun. Registrants will receive an email with a link that will give them access to the pet show. Participants will take a virtual photo at the end of the pet show, so be sure you and your pet are camera-ready. Participation in the photo is optional.
Don’t Bring Animals to Offices for Pet Show
Employees should not bring animals to university facilities and offices solely to participate in the pet show. The only employees who can bring animals to work are those who have received permission to bring animals, such as service animals, to the workplace in compliance with federal law and university regulations and guidelines.
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