Self-help tools provide additional coping strategies, support for mental health concerns

A variety of mental health self-help tools are available to help individuals cope with stress and other mental health concerns. The behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support.

Self-help tools are not designed to replace other types of mental health treatments but instead can assist individuals in better supporting their own mental health by helping them understand mental health struggles, providing coping strategies and more.

Below is a list of some of the tools available:

PURDUE RESOURCES

• SupportLinc – Employee assistance program for the West Lafayette campus features information on Strengthening Self-Esteem, which is also beneficial.
• myStrength – A no-cost, emotional health and well-being program courtesy of Anthem, which is available to all employees and dependents and is referred to as a “health club for the mind” to help individuals cope with stress and other mental health concerns.
• Purdue’s Mental Health Resources webpage offers a section on apps and online digital resources.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• Mental Health America (MHA) offers a variety of self-help tools, including:
  • Mental health screening tools
  • Stress screener
  • Interactive Where to Get Help Tool
  • Worksheets
    • Keep Your Mind Grounded
    • Physical Symptoms and Feelings Tracker
    • Your Mind Your Body – Talking to Your Doctor About Mental Health
• Mental Health Movement – Offers a list of self-help tools, including fact sheets, apps and online tools and programs.
• MindWise Innovations – Offers a list of mental health apps to reduce stress, manage a mood disorder and improve mood.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Offers its Self-Help Techniques for Coping with Mental Illness
• TMS Institute of America – Provides self-help tips and tools, including:
  • Daily therapy trackers – such as My Daily Mood Tracker and Recognize Symptoms of Stress.
  • Apps – such as Calm, TalkLife, Headspace, 7 Cups and more.

ADDITIONAL 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.