Mental Health Month

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:

• Mental Health 101 (Mental Health America)
• Take a mental health screening test (Mental Health America)
• How to ask for help (SAMSHA)
• Roadmap to friends supporting friends (The Mental Health Coalition)

Everyone’s mental health journey is different, so the type of support that works can look different, too. Start by comparing the types of providers and counseling options, then choose the path that fits your needs.

Start with your primary care provider. They can help determine whether your symptoms may be related to a mental health concern or something else. If you're on an IU medical plan but don't have a primary care provider, you can get established 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:

• Contact SupportLinc EAP. SupportLinc offers free, in-the-moment support and referrals for IU employees and family members who are experiencing a mental health concern, including up to six free counseling sessions per issue, per year. Enrollment in an IU medical plan is not required to use the EAP. 

• Schedule an appointment at Marathon Health. Meet with licensed mental health professionals virtually or in person at select locations. Visits cost just $35 and are billed through your IU medical plan. Call 866-434-3255 or log in to the Marathon Health patient portal to schedule an appointment.

• Find an in-network provider using Anthem's Sydney Health app or by calling the number on the back of your ID card.

• Book an appointment through Headway, a tool that helps you filter through therapists and psychiatrists in Anthem's network based on your preferences and needs.

Additional resources & tools:

• Find help & resources - a comprehensive list of counseling options for IU employees. 
• Find counseling services near IU campuses
• Choosing a mental health provider: A step-by-step guide (Mental Health America)

Starting therapy can feel like a big step—but knowing what to expect can make it easier. Here's what a typical series of appointments might look like: 

• 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:

• How does therapy work? What to expect (Mental Health America)
• How does online therapy work? (Mental Health America)
• What if I don't want to go to therapy? (Mental Health America)
• What to expect in substance use disorder treatment (FindTreatment.gov)

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:

• Healthy IU programs on your campus (Healthy IU)
• Healthy IU Work + Life services (Healthy IU)
• Find a social connection group for IU employees (Healthy IU)
• Apps, worksheets, and other tools to improve your mental health (Mental Health America)
• Self-care resource library (The Jed Foundation)