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Prioritize Your Mental Health this Holiday Season

The holidays are often a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. However, they can also bring about various stressors and challenges, particularly when juggling the demands of both work and home.To assist employees during this time, weve compiled a list of resources that can be used to help prioritize mental well-being during this busy season. 

Don’t abandon healthy habits.  

  • Maintaining your physical health is one of your best defenses against stress, so it’s essential to keep up your exercisesleep, and nutrition habits. Incorporating just one healthy action daily can make your holidays more enjoyable and relaxing. 

Prioritize self-care. 

Make a spending plan.  

Care for caregivers. 

Quick holiday-themed reads from SupportLinc: 

Get support if and when you need it. If you need additional support, reach out to SupportLinc EAP at 888-881-LINC (5462) or log in to SupportLinc.com. Licensed mental health professionals are available to provide free, confidential, in-the-moment support 24 hours a day. 

Find policies related to leaves and accommodations

If you experience or seek out treatment for a mental health condition, you may be in a situation where you need to request an accommodation at work or take some time off. Learn what options are available under IU policies and how to initiate these requests below. 

Taking a mental health day allows you to step away from work-related stressors and focus on your mental well-being. IU's generous time off and leave policies give you the flexibility to use accrued time off to mentally recharge. Review the policy for your classification at the links below.

Mental health conditions can impact various aspects of your life, including the ability to achieve maximum productivity at work. When an employee has an ADA-qualified physical or mental disability that limits their ability to perform the essential functions of their job, it is the policy of Indiana University to provide reasonable accommodation when necessary. 

Visit the link below to learn about accessibility at IU and to find contact information for the accommodation specialist on each campus.

Accessibility at IU

You can also find general information about ADA protections for employees with mental health conditions at the links below.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are entitled to job-protected leave for certain family or medical reasons. FMLA leave can be taken for the employee's own serious health condition, or to care for their spouse, child, or parent because of their serious health condition. A serious health condition can include mental health conditions and substance/alcohol use treatment. 

Visit the links below for IU policies and procedures related to FMLA leave.

FMLA for Staff & Part-Time Employees

FMLA for Academic Appointees

You can also find general information about mental health conditions and FMLA leave at the link below.

U.S. Department of Labor - Mental Health and the FMLA

IU's voluntary long-term disability (LTD) plan for faculty and staff is designed to pay a monthly benefit if you cannot work due to a covered physical/mental illness or injury. The benefit replaces a portion of your income, thus helping you meet your financial commitments in a time of need. 

Eligible employees can enroll in LTD coverage at any time, but must provide evidence of insurability if enrolling after the first 30 days of becoming eligible (typically the date of hire or transfer to an eligible position). 

Learn more about the policy and how to file a claim at the link below.

IU Long-Term Disability Insurance