Changing the climate of behavioral health needs, care – one resource at a time

As one of the five pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program, behavioral health plays a key role in overall employee well-being. Referred to by many names -- behavioral health, mental health, emotional well-being and more -- one thing is certain, it’s important.

Millions of people are feeling new and/or increased stress and anxiety as news regarding COVID-19 inundates individuals around the globe, remote working continues for many while others are adjusting to a physical return to the office, and increased workloads loom. There are stressors outside of work as well. Purdue understands that raising awareness about mental health needs and ensuring that resources are readily available is an everyday necessity, even more so in today’s environment.

With that said, this article is the first component of a long-term initiative that Human Resources is introducing to help the Purdue community learn about resources and training opportunities so that all Boilermakers have the help, support and information needed. On Thursday (Oct. 8), a mental health / behavioral health email highlighting a variety of available resources will be sent to all employees. Purdue Today will continue running weekly features each Wednesday on a mental health-related topic.  

Additionally, destigmatizing the conversation around mental health and wellness is a goal. According to Rachael See, employee assistance counselor at the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, there has a been a stigma concerning mental health for centuries, but in the last 20 years or so there has been a noticeable shift toward increasing support surrounding mental health concerns.

“As a nation, and community, we still have a long way to go, but we are headed in the direction toward inclusivity with mental, emotional and physical health needs being addressed,” she says. “It is a natural process for us to cycle through various emotions as we experience a wide range of ever-changing interactions with ourselves, others and the environment around us. Therefore, it is also natural to need a little extra help from health care providers and social supports at times.”

Watch for the next Purdue Today article on Oct. 14 as Purdue continues to highlight the variety of resources and tools available, look into how the Purdue medical plans work to support mental health, explore ways in which the discussion about mental health needs can be continued and more.

“Personal strength lies in our ability to be vulnerable and authentic with our feelings,” See says. “To be humble enough to know that we can only do better when we know how, and sometimes that is learned with the help of others.”