Mental Health Awareness Day

Faculty/Staff Employee Assistance

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Employee Assistance
Counseling for UC Berkeley Faculty and Staff, and Employees of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Phone: (510) 643-7754
Email: 
employeeassistance@berkeley.edu

University Health Services, Tang Center
2222 Bancroft Way
Suite 3100 (3rd floor)
Berkeley, CA 94720-4300

"Mental Health Awareness Day" text on a blue gradient background

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was established over 70 years ago to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in the U.S., and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works and the right treatment is generally effective. Successful awareness campaigns highlight the importance of mental health and promote acceptance, support, prevention, recovery, and resources for various mental health conditions. 

According to 2020 data reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness and 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. (almost 6%) experienced a serious mental illness. Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, the stigma tied to talking about and addressing our mental health needs is ever-present. 

Throughout May, Be Well at Work will be offering faculty and staff workshops and activities aimed at understanding and supporting your mental health. On May 8th, Employee Assistance will kick off the month by hosting a Mental Health Awareness Day. 

Mental Health Awareness Day for Faculty & Staff

Thursday, May 8, 2025 // 9 am - 3 pm

On May 8th, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance invites you to prioritize your mental health.

The day will include virtual workshops highlighting mental health education and wellbeing strategies, as well as in-person experiential activities aimed at caring for your mental health needs.  We hope you will join us! 

Schedule of Events // May 8th, 2025

9 - 10 am: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace: For Supervisors & Managers (Online Webinar) 

Presenter: Craig Mielcarski, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance Director  

Working in a management or leadership role comes with many responsibilities, not the least of which is supporting your employees. However, when mental health challenges are disclosed or suspected based on observed behavior, managers often aren’t sure how best to respond; or whether they should respond at all. Be Well at Work - Employee Assistance is uniquely positioned to help managers and supervisors navigate the intersection of mental health and the workplace. During this live webinar, we will share observations, common misconceptions, and useful strategies related to mental health in the workplace while also discussing how to support individuals and teams in order to provide support, maintain boundaries, and still focus on getting the work done. Bring your questions! Through a predominantly question and answer format, this session is an opportunity for managers and supervisors to get their questions answered, and also learn from each other.

Register

10:30 am -11:30 am: Supporting Loved Ones' Mental Health: A Panel Discussion (Online Webinar)

Presenters: Kiran Johl, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance Counselor  

We are impacted not only by our own mental health, but the mental health of those around us. Hear from three licensed clinicians about common concerns and challenges for vulnerable populations, supportive strategies, self-care behaviors, and helpful resources. This discussion will focus on mental health support of our loved ones (parents, children, partners, siblings, friends, etc.), and will not talk specifically about navigating mental health in the workplace. 

Zoom Link Coming Soon. 

11:45 am - 12:15 pm: Mindful Moment in Nature (In-Person Only)

Presenter: Natasha Boissier, LCSW, Be Well at Work Elder Care Counselor

Location: Staff Community Garden (located outside of Li Ka Shing, Mulford, Morgan, and Genetics & Plant Biology)

Join us for a refreshing workshop where we invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty of our surroundings. This guided experience encourages participants to engage all their senses, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and the campus’s natural environment.

Our journey will include brief pauses for reflection, breathing exercises, and moments of gratitude, inviting you to tune into your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Whether you’re seeking a break from work, a chance to connect with others, or simply a moment of tranquility, this walk is designed to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your overall well-being.

Come dressed comfortably and ready to explore the campus in a new light. Let’s stroll together, breathe deeply, and find peace in the present moment. All are welcome, regardless of experience with mindfulness practices.

Register

12:20 pm - 12:50 pm: Reclaim Your Calm: Practical Stress Relief Strategies (In-Person Only)

Presenter: Julie Resnik, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance Counselor

Location: Staff Community Garden (located outside of Li Ka Shing, Mulford, Morgan, and Genetics & Plant Biology)

'Reclaim Your Calm' empowers UC Berkeley employees with tools to identify stress triggers and develop sustainable coping mechanisms. Discover techniques to foster a calmer, more balanced work-life experience.

Register

1pm - 2 pm: Creating Healthy Boundaries in the Workplace (Online Webinar)

Presenter: Elliott DiTusa, LPCC, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance Counselor

Healthy boundaries in the workplace are essential to support our mental health. This workshop provides information about different types of boundaries, how to handle boundary challenges, and how to comfortably say “no”. We will introduce strategies to help participants establish healthy boundaries and improve work-life balance.

Register

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm: Loving Kindness Meditation (Online)

Presenter: Kiran Johl, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance Counselor

Join us for a guided meditation that utilizes visualization to cultivate compassion towards ourselves and others.

Register

Additional BWAW and Campus Mental Health Events in May

Download the flyers

Be Well at Work MHAD Flyer
Be Well at Work MHAD Flyer with Workshop Descriptions