Johns Hopkins promotes mental health initiatives in May

May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage action regarding mental well-being. The Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program (JHEAP), in partnership with CCA, is offering tools and resources to help individuals prioritize their mental health and build supportive communities.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to shift from simple recognition of mental health issues to practical involvement. JHEAP emphasizes the importance of taking intentional steps to create a positive impact on mental health.

To assist individuals in improving their emotional resilience, JHEAP provides a comprehensive toolkit that includes webinars, resources, and tips. Upcoming webinars include the ‘Benefits Insight Series: Unlocking Support and Mental Health Awareness,’ scheduled for noon on Thursday, May 22. Participants can register for this live session to explore available resources. Additionally, CCA will host virtual webinars designed to equip attendees with practical tools for enhancing mental health for themselves and others.

For those who miss live sessions, recordings are available in the On-Demand section of the JHEAP website. Notable sessions include: – ‘Best Practices for Supporting Others,’ which covers effective methods of offering support without assuming the role of a counselor. – ‘Anxiety Unmasked,’ where participants can learn to identify personal triggers and develop strategies for managing anxiety effectively.

JHEAP also features informative flyers, such as ‘Putting JHEAP to Work for Your Mental Well-Being,’ which details how employees and their families can access confidential counseling. Another resource, ‘Take A.C.T.I.O.N. to Improve Mental Health,’ outlines a practical framework for achieving emotional well-being goals. The ‘Mental Health and Self-Care Resource Guide’ compiles various tools and resources to assist individuals on their mental health journeys. Furthermore, ‘Monitoring Your Energy to Manage’ offers strategies to help individuals track and replenish their energy for optimal performance.

Here are five actionable steps to enhance your mental well-being right now: 1. Download the CCA@YourService App, which provides self-paced sessions with tips and exercises to promote positive change across various life aspects. This app is free and accessible for personal check-ins. 2. Share your mental health experiences with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Personal stories can inspire others and demonstrate that recovery is achievable. 3. Cultivate gratitude by writing down one thing you appreciate each day, fostering a more positive mindset. 4. Reduce screen time to observe its effects on your mental state. 5. Utilize JHEAP for complimentary, confidential support and practical assistance available 24/7. Reach out via phone at 888-978-1262 or submit a counseling request through the online form.

For ongoing mental health resources and support, visit the JHEAP website or email eap@jhu.edu with non-urgent inquiries. This Mental Health Awareness Month, take the initiative to prioritize your mental health and contribute to a culture of openness and support.