February 24, 2021

Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week set for March 1-5; Healthy Boiler workshops to support

Purdue Student Government is again hosting its Mental Health Action Week (MHAW) this spring. In partnership with several other University student groups, Purdue Graduate Student Government, Purdue administration and Human Resources, PSG will present the spring 2021 event March 1-5. Although many aspects of the event remain the same, the name has been changed from “Awareness” to “Action” in response to student feedback following last year’s inaugural event.

Human Resources – Benefits continues to place behavioral health of the Purdue community as a top priority.

“We are proud to once again join Purdue Student Government and other groups across campus for this action-oriented week of mental well-being,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “The push to keep mental health in the forefront of overall wellness not only aligns with our Healthy Boiler Program in support of its behavioral health pillar but also works to remove the stigma around mental health. The goal is to demonstrate to us all that it’s OK to discuss and take action to help with any mental health concerns or issues. This event provides yet another avenue to distribute information, offer meaningful workshops, continue to extend that conversation across campus and take action.”

HEALTHY BOILER WORKSHOPS

As part of MHAW, Human Resources is bringing five virtual mental health-based workshops. All Healthy Boiler workshops are free to benefits-eligible employees and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan. During MHAW, students are able to attend these virtual workshops as well. The lineup of workshops is as follows:

Seeking Self-Care -- March 1, available on demand

Take some time out to discuss the five health and wellness pillars and how to incorporate more self-care into daily life. This webinar will include opportunities for reflection as well as tips on stress, nutrition and physical activity.

Animal-Assisted Therapy and Indications for Coping -- Noon-1 p.m. March 2, via Zoom

Led by Amanda Hathcock, employee assistance counselor at the Center for Healthy Living, this workshop will look at demystifying animal-assisted therapy, the hows and whys and discussion of the pros and cons. Additionally, information on how to apply similar qualities of self-care when animal interaction is not available. 

Mental Health Awareness & Resources -- Noon-1 p.m. March 3, via Zoom

Amanda Hathcock, employee assistance counselor at the Center for Healthy Living, will lead the workshop, which takes a brief look at continuing to destigmatize mental health disorders and treatment. Suggestions and resources about helping individuals, their family, their community and the world also will be shared. 

Meditation -- Noon-1 p.m. March 4, via Zoom
Meeting ID: 960 1485 7178; passcode: 653096

Searching for ways to reduce the symptoms of stress, while improving attention and well-being? Mindfulness and meditation can help transform quality of life for many people. During the workshop, Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne, will teach attendees about the application and benefits of mindfulness and meditation and engage in practical application.

Work-Life Integration -- Noon-1 p.m. March 5, virtual webinar

Integrating work and life is a continuous process, especially as family, interests and commitments change. In this webinar, Megan Shidler, registered dietitian at the Center for Healthy Living, will discuss some practical tips for having a productive workday and making work more enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, the workshop will explore suggestions for detaching from work and prioritizing individual health.

Registration for all Healthy Boiler workshops is done online via the Healthy Boiler Portal; registration is due by the day before the respective workshop takes place. Registration link can be found under the “Engage” tab, “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage.

“Purdue administration and Human Resources support the students’ endeavor; by partnering with Purdue Student Government in this campaign, the importance of mental health resources and the impact the Healthy Boiler Program can have on behavioral health will be reinforced among the faculty and staff population,” Shaffer says.

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2015-22 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Office of Strategic Communications

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact News Service at purduenews@purdue.edu.