Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week set for March 7-11; Healthy Boiler workshops, more available

This event and its workshops support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

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 event March 7-11.

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 two virtual mental health-based workshops to the week. All Healthy Boiler workshops are free to benefits-eligible employees and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan. The lineup of workshops is as follows:

The Magical Power of Sleep — noon-1 p.m. ET March 7

The saying “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” has long been used to show how sleep can affect someone’s mental well-being. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep is closely connected to mental and emotional health and may be associated with anxiety and depression.

Cheryl Laszynski, registered nurse health coach at the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), will share information about how important sleep is to an individual’s health and how a lack of sleep can affect mental and physical health as part of a discussion on the value of sleep as a critical wellness factor.

“Many anxiety disorders are associated with difficulties sleeping,” Laszynski says. “Stress and worry seem to heighten for some individuals closer to bedtime, and when your mind is racing with all of these thoughts it can be difficult to fall asleep, which in turn can result in lack of sleep. Attempting to change the trajectory of this poor sleep combined with anxiety can add even more stress. It can be overwhelming, but it’s important for individuals to remember that there is help available.”

Physical Fitness & Mental Health — noon-1 p.m. ET March 11

Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne, will discuss how physical activity can enhance mood and energy levels as well as help reduce stress levels, anxiety and depression.

“During exercise, feel-good endorphins are released, which can help ease anxiety and depression symptoms,” Bloom says. “Additionally, physical activity can help distract you from any negative thoughts you might be having at the time. Taking even 10 to 15 minutes to take a short walk can help.”

Those interested in the workshops should register via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s homepage. Hover over the workshop’s button and hit “Submit” to register.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR

A Mental Health Resource Fair will be held as part of MHAW from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 9 on the ground floor of Purdue Memorial Union. A variety of resources will be available, including information from Human Resources on SupportLinc (employee assistance program provider for benefits-eligible employees on the West Lafayette campus) and LiveHealth Online Psychology and Psychiatry.

MORE ASSISTANCE

Purdue health coaches can work with individuals to address physical activity goals and plans, sleep and relaxation as well as stress, anxiety and more. The partnership formed with a health coach can help individuals set and reach goals to improve their overall wellness. To schedule with a health coach at CHL (Laszynski or Whitney Soto), call 765-494-0111 or use the patient portal. To schedule with Bloom at Purdue Fort Wayne, call 260-481-6651 or email lmbloom@pfw.edu. All appointments are available in-person or via phone. Health coaching is part of Purdue’s no-cost wellness programs.

In addition, LiveHealth Online offers LiveHealth Online Better Sleep, which consists of a care path for members to effectively identify, engage, diagnose and manage sleep disorders. LiveHealth Online visits process within the HealthSync Network.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses, information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse as well as behavioral health referral locations for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses.

To assist students

Faculty and staff, who work with students or have a student at home, can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous network of support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students.