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Mental Health Month

From awareness to action: make your mental health a priority

May is Mental Health Month, and in support of Mental Health America’s #TurnAwarenessIntoAction campaign, we’re highlighting the importance of caring for your mental well-being: now and throughout the year.

At times, life can feel overwhelming – whether you're managing ongoing stress, navigating difficult emotions, or simply trying to stay grounded when the world feels uncertain. No matter what you're going through, it's important to know you’re not alone and that help is available. 

Let’s use this month as a reminder to care for ourselves and each other. Because mental health is health, and your mental health matters.

Featured resources

Webinar: Accessing Counseling Resources at IU and Beyond

Register for May 22 webinar

Explore:  IU's employee assistance program, SupportLinc

Attend: Upcoming mental health webinars

Take action: Mental Health Month action guide

Take action for your mental health

It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to ask for help. Mental health challenges can show up in different ways, and it’s common to downplay or ignore the signs. But you don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to reach out. Here’s how to recognize when you might need some extra support—and what to do next.

Everyone has tough days—but when mental health concerns start to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to reach out for support.

Signs you may benefit from professional help include:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or anxious for more than two weeks
  • Struggling to complete routine tasks or concentrate
  • Withdrawing from social connections or losing interest in activities
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Using substances or alcohol to cope
  • Feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or emotionally numb
  • Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Remember: It's OK to not be OK. Seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Resources & tools:

*This resource requires you to log in to SupportLinc. You can create your account using group code = iu.

Everyone’s mental health journey is different—and so is the kind of support that works best. Here are some steps you can take to find care that's right for you.

Learn about the different types of providers and counseling options.

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They may begin by making sure your symptoms are caused by a mental health condition and not something else. If you don't have a primary care provider, you can establish with one at Marathon Health. 

Connect with a mental health provider. If your doctor recommends that you see a professional, or if you prefer to make an appointment with a mental health provider directly, here are some options to find one:

Visit the Find Help & Resources page for a comprehensive list of counseling options for IU employees. 

Resources & tools:

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—but knowing what to expect can make it easier.

  • First session: You'll typically talk about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to change.
  • Goal setting: Share what matters most to you—specific issues, behaviors, or patterns you’d like to address.
  • Active participation: Therapy works best when you’re engaged—bring questions, be honest, and take time to reflect between sessions.
  • Openness to change: You may be encouraged to explore new ways of thinking or responding. That discomfort can be a sign of growth.
  • Progress takes time: Change happens gradually. Track your progress and speak up if things aren’t working—adjusting the approach or switching providers is always an option.
  • Confidentiality: Your information stays private and is never shared with IU.

Therapy isn’t about being “fixed” — it’s about gaining insight, building resilience, and developing the tools to navigate life with greater clarity and confidence. The more you invest in the process, the more meaningful the outcome will be!

Resources & tools:

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.

Resources & tools:

Training & events:

*This resource requires you to log in to SupportLinc. You can create your account using group code = iu.

More ways to take action this month

Schedule: counseling, therapy, or coaching

Explore all of the different types of mental health support that are available to you as an IU employee.

Take action: Practice support not stigma

Learn how to start meaningful conversations about mental health with SupportLinc's 1in5 campaign.

Webinar: Counseling resources at IU

Unsure where to start getting mental health care? This session will guide you through IU’s resources and how to access them.

Toolkit: Learn how to build resilience

Learn how to strengthen your ability to cope with, and bounce back from, struggles you face in your life.

Toolkit: Mental Health

SupportLinc EAP's Mental Health Toolkit provides resources such as tip sheets, flash courses and DIY tools to boost your well-being.

Register for Healthy IU programs

Explore the various health and wellness programs that are being offered by Healthy IU this summer.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available 24/7:
SupportLinc EAP: Call 888-881-5462
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
Local emergency services: Call 911

Webinars & Events

Full events calendar

The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a distinction awarded by Mental Health America to organizations that meet national workplace mental health standards. Indiana University's 2025 Platinum Bell Seal recipient status demonstrates our outstanding commitment to employee mental health and well-being.

Mental Health America Platinum Bell Seal Award 2025