Closing Out Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a good time to reflect on the importance of mental health. 83% of Gen Z and millennial patients openly share they are in therapy. Adults aged 34-44 are reporting higher instances of chronic health issues (58% vs 38% in 2019). Adults aged 18-34 reported the highest instance of mental illness in 2023 (50%). 75% of mental health challenges start before the age of 25.

These are serious statistics. But there is help available. The University offers a range of online and in-person mental health resources for faculty and staff, including:

• The Mindfulness at Work program
• An expansive Wellbeing at Work program
• BIPOC Mental Health Collective
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Amwell, a virtual behavioral health services program

Make your wellbeing a priority all year long and take advantage of these resources when you need them. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, here are a few Minneapolis resources that can help.

• Utilize the East Metro Crisis Alliance website to make an appointment or talk to someone right away.
• Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website.
• Listen to interesting and open mental health discussions on the Depresh Mode podcast.
• Call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline for immediate assistance.
• Contact COPE mobile crisis response for immediate help in Hennepin County.