Purdue offers mental health resources during Mental Health Month

May marks Mental Health Month, an initiative established in 1949 to promote awareness and celebrate mental health. According to Mental Health America (MHA), one in five Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent disorders.

To support the mental well-being of its faculty and staff, Purdue University is hosting a workshop titled “Coping and Acceptance With Depression and Anxiety” on May 14 from noon to 1 p.m. ET via Teams. Led by Amanda Hathcock, a behavioral health counselor at the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), the workshop will cover acceptance theory and its application to managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Finding calm and focusing on well-being can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. MHA encourages individuals to take proactive steps for their mental health. Actions include:

– Participating in the “Coping and Acceptance With Depression and Anxiety” workshop by registering through the Healthy Boiler portal. – Exploring behavioral health resources available through Purdue, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). – Taking a mental health assessment to gauge personal needs. – Utilizing MHA’s Mental Health Month Action Guide 2025 for guidance.

Candace Shaffer, associate vice president for benefits and payroll in Human Resources at Purdue, emphasizes the importance of mental health as part of overall wellness. The Healthy Boiler Wellness Program continues to expand its offerings, which now include workshops and resources that support mental health.

Purdue’s commitment to mental health was recognized when the university received the 2024 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health at the Silver level, followed by the 2025 Bell Seal at the Platinum level from MHA. These awards signify that Purdue meets or surpasses national standards for workplace mental health practices.

For faculty and staff, a Mental Health Resources webpage lists various services supporting behavioral health as part of the Healthy Boiler Program. This includes details about Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance use services.

Students can also access mental health resources through various channels. United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), the medical plan provider for students, offers access to 292 in-network mental health providers in Tippecanoe County. Students can also utilize HealthiestYou, which provides virtual mental health care as part of their insurance plan, at no cost.

Additional resources for students include: – Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which offers therapy and self-help resources. – NAMI On Campus, a free virtual support group. – Thriving Campus, a service to help students find local and national mental health providers. – Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), a web- and app-based mental health resource.

Purdue University actively encourages its community to utilize these resources to support their mental health, recognizing its vital role in overall health and well-being.