If you or someone you know is facing a mental health concern, needing someone to talk to, or looking for ways to improve your mental well-being, know that resources and support are available.
The holidays can mean different things to different people. For some, it's a time of connection and joy, while for others, the celebration can get lost in feelings of stress, grief, or anxiety. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, and if you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. As an IU employee, you and your family members have access to a wide range of resources and support tools to help you manage stress, boost your mental health, and maintain balance during this busy time of year.
Practice gratitude
Research shows that cultivating gratitude can completely transform your mindset and improve your overall well-being by reducing stress, improving sleep, strengthening your relationships, and boosting your immune system.
A gift you can give yourself this year is allowing emotional space for your feelings, whatever they may be. Having a plan in place for when you feel stressed, sad, or lonely can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable. This may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie.
Maintain healthy habits
Try to stick to your regular routines as much as possible, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Try to aim for at least one relaxing activity each day, such as a short walk, 30 minutes spent unwinding, listening to music, reading, or journaling.
Care for caregivers
The holidays can be particularly challenging for caregivers.
Register: Eligible employees can sign up for a free premium Care.com membership to find trusted care for children, adults, and even pets.
Make a spending plan
One of the biggest holiday stressors for many is finances. Learn how to create a holiday budget so you can fulfill your holiday needs without compromising your finances.
If your mental health struggles become overwhelming, it may be a good idea to reach out for professional support. As an IU employee, you and your family members have 24/7 access to licensed mental health professionals at no cost, as well as options to connect with a provider virtually or in person. Learn what's available in the section below.
SupportLinc EAP
Call 888-881-LINC (5462) for 24/7 in-the-moment support.
Register and log in to SupportLinc.com (group code iu) for additional counseling options, including text therapy.
Telehealth
IU medical plan members have access to licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists through Anthem LiveHealth Online.
Employee health centers
IU medical plan members also have access to in-person and virtual visits with licensed mental health providers through Marathon Health. Schedule an appointment through their web portal or mobile app.
Digital self-help tools
IU employees and family members can access a wide range of digital self-help tools through SupportLinc EAP by registering and logging in to SupportLinc.com using the group code "iu."
Mindstream digital fitness studio for your mind: Discover expert wellness and mental health content through Mindstream. This digital platform offers live and on-demand sessions on a wide range of topics, such as mindfulness tips for the holidays and learning how to establish boundaries that align with your new year’s goals.
Digital cognitive behavioral therapy:Animo is built on the framework of digital cognitive behavioral therapy, which is based on the simple idea that what you think determines your feelings and behavior. These resources can help you address stress, depression or anxiety and proactively boost your mental health by becoming more mindful, sleeping better and developing resilience.
National helplines & resources
The national helplines listed below are also available at any time, even on the holidays.
If you're in need of support but not in crisis, consider reaching out to a warmline. Warmlines offer a place to call when you just need to talk to someone. Speaking to someone on these calls is typically free, confidential, and run by people who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems. Find a warmline at mhanational.org/warmlines.
Find counseling, therapy, or coaching
As an IU employee, resident, student academic appointee, or household member, you have access to a wide range of mental health services including telehealth, one-on-one counseling, self-guided therapy, group support, and more.
Access to some of the digital and mobile resources listed below requires a SupportLinc EAP username and password. Learn how to create your account.
You and your household members have 24/7 access to licensed counselors through SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They can provide short-term assistance and referrals for concerns such as depression, stress, anxiety, work-related pressures, substance use, family and relationship problems, or grief and loss.
SupportLinc services are available at no cost, and include (but aren't limited to):
24/7 telephone access to licensed care advocates who can address your immediate needs, determine the appropriate level of care, and refer you to a provider for ongoing treatment, if necessary.
Up to six (6) face-to-face counseling sessions per presenting issue per year (in-person or virtual)
Access to SupportLinc’s comprehensive technology suite, including their website and mobile app
Expert referrals for local service providers, including child and elder care, home repair, pet care, housing needs, and more
Financial and legal planning support and consultations
IU-sponsored medical plan members have access to licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists through Anthem LiveHealth Online. The LiveHealth Online website and app allow you and your covered family members to find, meet, and schedule return visits with a behavioral health professional all from the privacy of your own home.
This option is generally more affordable and allows you to meet with a provider sooner than if your appointment was in person. You also have access to a broad range of providers across the US.
All IU medical plans cover mental and behavioral health care, including inpatient and outpatient therapy, counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. This option is generally more expensive than telehealth visits, and you will likely have longer appointment wait times. Explore the behavioral health services and resources available through Anthem, then follow the links below to connect with a provider.
Find a mental health provider in Anthem's network:
If you don't have medical insurance through IU, or if you can't find a provider that meets your needs in Anthem's network, you can search for all mental health providers in your community using Psychology Today's online provider search tool.
IU employees and family members enrolled in IU-sponsored medical insurance (the Anthem PPO HDHP or Anthem PPO $500 Deductible Plan) can access mental/behavioral health providers in the Marathon Health Network of employee health centers. Services available through the centers include preventive and acute care, chronic condition management, lab services, health coaching, and mental/behavioral health counseling, with the added flexibility of both in-person and virtual appointments.
Schedule an appointment with a Marathon Health provider near you:
Marathon Health is committed to providing you with the best possible support for your mental and behavioral health needs. For an enhanced scheduling experience, we recommend scheduling these types of visits by calling the customer service number.
Coverage under IU Medical Plans
All IU medical plans cover alcohol and substance use disorder treatment, including inpatient and outpatient therapy. While you can use any provider in Anthem's network, Anthem partners with the following programs to take the guesswork out of finding treatment:
Aware Recovery - Aware Recovery offers in-home addiction treatment (IHAT) for alcohol, opioids, and other substances. You will be assigned a team of professionals who will come to your home and work around your schedule. The program consists of four phases over the course of a year and may include a range of home-based treatments such as psych evaluation, medication bridges, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual and family therapy, medical and behavioral healthcare coordination by a licensed nurse or social worker, and more.
Recovery Centers of America - Recovery Centers of America at Indianapolis offers inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder and other behavioral health concerns. They provide a personalized approach to long-term addiction treatment so you or your loved one can get individualized care best matched to meet your needs. Services offered at their Indianapolis location include (but aren't limited to) drug and alcohol detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment (in-person or virtual), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Addiction Care Navigator through SupportLinc (Free)
Addiction Care Navigator, offered through SupportLinc EAP, seamlessly connects you with immediate guidance and support for substance use issues across the full spectrum of severity. Here's how it works:
Start by completing an anonymous and confidential survey about your substance use.
Get immediate results with a personalized report and action plan.
Receive support and ongoing care from Addiction Care Coaches who specifically address your unique concerns.
Get started by logging in to your SupportLinc account and selecting Addiction Care Navigator from the dashboard.
Textcoach® is available at no cost through SupportLinc EAP. After completing a short questionnaire, new users can begin communicating with their Coach immediately to address stress, anxiety, grief, depression, or relationship issues – or to proactively work on mindfulness or resiliency.
Textcoach is not intended to replace face-to-face or telebehavioral counseling. You may be guided to other resources within SupportLinc if you have an acute or severe concern.
Get started by logging in to TextCoach using your SupportLinc username and password.
Animo is built on the framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, otherwise known as CBT, and is based on the simple idea that what you think determines your feelings and your behavior.
This therapeutic approach helps people manage problems like anxiety, depression, and stress in a results-oriented manner by breaking the concern(s) down into smaller parts and addressing them individually. Unlike other therapy-based treatment methods, CBT deals with current problems rather than focusing on issues from the past, and provides practical methods to improve a participant’s state of mind.
This self-paced digital program is available at no cost through SupportLinc EAP. Get started by logging in to Animo using your SupportLinc username and password.
IU-sponsored medical plan members have access to emotional well-being resources through Learn to Live.
Built on the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the program's digital tools are available anywhere, anytime. They can help you identify thoughts and behavior patterns that affect your emotional well-being – and work through them. You’ll learn effective ways to manage stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and sleep issues.
To access Learn to Live: Log in to anthem.com, go to My Health Dashboard, choose Programs, and select Emotional Well-being Resources.
Virtual Support Connect offers moderated group support sessions hosted by experienced counselors and subject matter experts on a wide variety of topics such as addiction, mindfulness, self-care, grief, caregiver support, and more.
All Virtual Support Connect meetings are completely anonymous and available at no cost through SupportLinc EAP.
Support your teenager by recognizing the signs and symptoms of a mental health concern and connecting them with a licensed counselor through SupportLinc EAP. They offer counseling, text therapy, and virtual coaching with licensed clinicians who specialize in treating adolescents. Get started by calling SupportLinc's 24-hour support line at 888-881-LINC (5462) or by logging in to SupportLinc.com.
Virtual visits with a therapist or psychologist
Children aged 10 to 17 who are covered by an IU-sponsored medical plan have access to online therapy visits through LiveHealth Online Psychology. To schedule a visit, log in to LiveHealth Online and add your child to your account. You will sign into your account to start the appointment, but your level of involvement during the actual visit is determined by the therapist, just like it is at an office. Covered children aged 18 or old must create their own account.
In-person visits with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist
If your children are covered on your IU-sponsored medical plan, they have access to comprehensive mental and behavioral health care, including inpatient and outpatient therapy, counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. Find a provider in Anthem's network by calling 844-436-0920 or by using their online Find Care tool.
Sustaining mental health requires time and effort. And like anything else, the more you invest in it, the stronger it becomes. Check out the resources below to help you get and stay mentally well.
Healthy IU is Indiana University’s workplace wellness program, serving the following populations:
Full-time faculty and staff
Part-time faculty and staff (adjunct faculty and hourly with retirement benefits)
Spouses on an IU Medical Plan
IU Medical and Optometry Residents
SAA Graduate Appointees
IU Retiree Status (*not eligible for taxable incentives/benefits)
Healthy IU offers a wide range of program options designed to improve your mind, body, and spirit, and are free for eligible participants. Visit healthy.iu.edu to check out their upcoming program schedule, or to browse their comprehensive online library of resources related to wellness and work/life.
Healthy IU Work+Life Social Connection Groups give IU employees the opportunity to connect with other members of the IU community around a shared interest or life stage. These groups are peer-led and employee-driven, so group members determine how and when they meet as well as the topic discussions and activities that will take place.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Course availability varies, so check back often if training isn't currently available.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training (What is MHFA?)
MHFA is an 8-hour, in-person course that provides information on how to assist someone experiencing a mental health concern and practices how to approach a crisis in the appropriate manner until professional help can arrive. These trainings certify each participant as a qualified Mental Health First Abider by providing a certificate of completion and continuing education hours to each participant.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training (What is QPR?)
QPR is a 2-hour in-person or virtual suicide prevention training. QPR stands for Question Persuade Refer and teaches individuals to recognize the warning signs of suicide and what to do in a crisis situation.
Mental Health Support Basics for Employees is a 1-hour, pre-recorded session that provides an easy-to-remember approach to aid others struggling with a mental health issue. This training can be done individually on-demand but does not qualify you as a certified Mental Health First Abider. Hosted by SupportLinc EAP.
Using a coach has always been an effective way to get yourbody in shape. Turns out, coaching is also great for making yourmind stronger, too.
SupportLinc EAP includes access to free personalized coaching that can boost your emotional fitness and well-being. With guidance and tools provided by your SupportLinc Coach, you can change habits, establish new routines and build resilience.
Sleep Fitness–Work with your Coach to form habits that make falling and staying asleep easier.
Meditation–Your Coach can help you learn techniques to provide relaxation and inner peace.
Mindfulness–Start practices to improve focus and decision-making with guidance from your Coach.
For more information and help to decide if coaching through SupportLinc is right for you, call1-888-881-5462today.
Mental health apps, podcasts, and blogs have become popular self-care tools for many, and there are hundreds available to choose from that cover a wide range of topics. If you're unsure where to start, check out these recommendations from SupportLinc EAP.
If you're looking to boost your mindfulness, resiliency, or sleep habits, or learn how to support others facing mental health concerns, SupportLinc's free virtual toolkits are a great place to start. They include comprehensive resources on various topics such as resiliency, mindfulness, and mental health first aid. Log in to the links below using your SupportLinc username and password to get started.
Meditation Toolkit– Boost your self-confidence, empathy, compassion, and patience by practicing mindful meditation at the start of each day.
Mental Health First Aid Toolkit– Empowers you to develop skills to help identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses through tip sheets, flash courses, helpful apps, and more.
Mindfulness Toolkit– Audio lessons, tip sheets, and other resources to help you navigate through distractions and to live fully in the present moment.
Natural Disaster Toolkit– The amount of damage and chaos that can occur within just a few minutes of a natural disaster often cannot be anticipated. Accessing resources before, during and after can help you prepare and assist in reconstructing your life in the aftermath.
Resiliency Toolkit– This toolkit provides you with resources to apply energy and passion to taking care of yourself.
Sleep Fitness Toolkit– Learn good sleep habits, which can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and an evening spent tossing and turning.
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.
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.
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.
Find resources for diverse cultures and identities
Mental health issues are common, but not everyone has equitable access to the resources they need. People in some racial/ethnic communities, genders, or sexual identities face more challenges than others in getting the care they need. Check out the sections below for resources and support services that address the unique needs of these communities.
Campus Support
Call888-881-LINC (5462)for free, confidential support 24/7 through the university’s employee assistance program, SupportLinc. Professionally licensed care advocates receive ongoing cultural competency training and use a concierge approach for referrals to ensure that providers meet your clinical and cultural preferences. Create an account at iu.mysupportportal.comto access additional services and resources, including text therapy and digital group support.
Roadmap to Black Mental Health - Learn more about Black mental health by acknowledging the specific strengths, methods of healing, and challenges faced by those who are part of the Black community.
Brother, You're On My Mind - Reducing the stigma surrounding the mental health of Black men through education and community.
Black Men Heal - Mental health treatment, education, and resources for men of color.
Melanin & Mental Health - Connecting individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities.
Black Women's Health Imperative - Health policy, education, research, knowledge and leadership development, and communications designed to improve the healthy outcomes of Black women.
Therapy for Black Girls - Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
Black Girls Smile: Mental Wellness Toolkit - Empowering the mental health and well-being of young Black women and girls through culturally and gender-responsive educational programming, support initiatives, and resource connections.
Dear Black Women - An affirmation movement for Black women by Black women.
SupportLinc employee assistance program (EAP) offers a variety of resources and services that you can immediately access for support:
Receive 24/7 in-the-moment support from a licensed clinician by calling 888-881-5462. Spanish-speaking Care Advocates can provide in-the-moment support and referrals if you're facing mental health concerns.
Schedule up to six short-term counseling sessions with a licensed mental health provider by calling 888-881-5462.
Log in to SupportLinc.com to access self-guided therapy tools, text therapy, anonymous virtual group support, and more.
Find a Hispanic or Latino therapist — Use Psychology Today's online provider search tool to find a Hispanic or Latino mental health provider. Some people find it helpful to work with a therapist who shares a similar background. Additionally, a bilingual therapist can help prevent misunderstandings and mistranslations that might hinder a positive therapeutic experience.
Mental Health America— Find mental health information and resources tailored for Latine and Hispanic communities, including:
The Mental Health Coalition— Find mental health resources in Spanish and learn how to support and advocate for mental health in Latine communities.
NAMI’s Compartiendo Esperanza — Watch this three-part video series from NAMI, which explores the journey of mental wellness in Hispanic/Latinx communities through dialogue, storytelling, and guided discussions on mental health for youth, communities, and families.
NAMI Identity and Cultural Dimensions: Hispanic/Latinx — While the Hispanic/Latinx community is very diverse, some shared cultural factors connect people regardless of ancestry or national origin. Learn about barriers to mental health care and find tips to seek culturally and linguistically competent care.
Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events can lead to what's known as collective trauma—a widespread emotional response to distressing circumstances. It's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during such times, including anger, fear, grief, or numbness, which are all valid responses to the complex feelings that may arise.
Processing these emotions can make it difficult to focus on daily tasks and maintain your usual routine. Please know you're not alone and that seeking help is okay. We encourage anyone who is struggling, or needs someone to talk to, to take advantage of these services.
SupportLinc offers resources and services that you can immediately access for support:
Receive 24/7 in-the-moment support from a licensed clinician by calling 888-881-5462.
Schedule up to six short-term counseling sessions with a licensed mental health provider by calling 888-881-5462.
Log in to SupportLinc.com to access self-guided therapy tools, text therapy, anonymous virtual group support, and more.
Visits with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist
IU medical plan members can schedule visits with licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists through the following access points:
Anthem medical plan network. All IU medical plans cover inpatient and outpatient mental/behavioral health care, including counseling, psychiatry, and substance use disorder treatment. Connect with an in-network provider by calling 844-436-0920 or using their online Find Care tool.
Anthem telebehavioral health. The Anthem LiveHealth Online website and app allow you and your covered family members to find, meet, and schedule return visits with a behavioral health professional from the privacy of your home.
Marathon Health employee health centers. IU employee medical plan members (the Anthem PPO HDP or Anthem PPO $500 Deductible Plan) can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a Marathon Health mental/behavioral provider by calling 866-434-3255 or logging in to the Marathon Health portal.
Toolkits & tip sheets (Free)
Access SupportLinc's Critical Incident Toolkit to find tip sheets, videos, and flash courses, or access the following tip sheets directly:
IU departments can access expert resources, training, and consultations for various organizational concerns through SupportLinc EAP. Visit the Resources for Leaders page for details.
