Embracing Mental Wellness

As we transition from the bustling holiday season into the start of a new year, a natural inclination towards self-reflection emerges, prompting us to ease into a steadier rhythm for the months ahead. This period of contemplation invites us to explore the depths of our mental and emotional needs and aligns seamlessly with the fact that January is Mental Wellness Month.

This dedicated month not only provides an opportunity for personal introspection but also encourages a collective effort to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health issues. By actively participating in this movement, we not only prioritize our own mental and emotional well-being but also contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and understanding community.

Our mental well-being can face challenges due to the detrimental impacts of unaddressed trauma, stress, biological factors, chemical imbalances, chronic medical conditions, and substance misuse. According to the Center for Disease Control over 20% of adults are presently grappling with a mental health condition, and approximately 1 in 25 adults are dealing with more severe mental health concerns. Recent research indicates that these numbers are also increasing due to the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Stigma stands as a significant barrier to addressing mental well-being for many individuals. Reluctance to acknowledge concerns, fears of appearing vulnerable, and concerns about potential societal and professional repercussions contribute to why some people may endure their struggles in silence rather than seeking help. Breaking down these barriers is essential to fostering an environment where individuals feel supported and empowered to prioritize their mental health.

Maintaining your mental health doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are four actionable ways you can actively engage in improving your mental well-being:

1. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

   • Dedicate daily time to mindfulness practices like guided meditation. 

   • Engage in deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation for stress regulation

2. Establish a Support System

   • Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, and others for emotional support.

   • Seek help from a mental health professional when needed.

3. Prioritize Self-Care Practices

   • Maintain a consistent routine for sleep, exercise, and play. 

   • Set and enforce boundaries to prevent burnout.

4. Break the Stigma

   • Initiate conversations about mental health to create a supportive atmosphere.

   • Listen to the stories of other medical professionals who are courageously confronting stigma.

As we step into the journey that is the year 2024, let this message be a significant reminder to not only explore your personal mental and emotional needs but also to actively nurture and strengthen your capacity to maintain the balance that defines overall mental well-being.

Need to talk?

For trainees: The Department of Mental Health Services is available to provide mental health and personal counseling services to all students, residents, and fellows. There are a few ways to access services:

• To request an appointment with the Department of Mental Health Services, send a secure message via the online portal or call 317-278-2383 during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• For urgent matters, call 317-278-HELP (4357), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A licensed clinical health specialist will provide an assessment and help direct you to appropriate treatment options based on the situation. You may also call on behalf of a trainee if you are a family member, friend or colleague concerned about their well-being. You may call anonymously, if desired.
• TimelyCare is a free resource to all IU students that allows them to have 24/7 on-demand emotional support as well as scheduled telehealth visits (with some after hours and out of state access) through a national vendor. You can engage with a clinician via phone, video, or video chat. Signing up just requires your student email.

For IU Health employees: 

• IU Health Physicians Employee Assistance Program
• IU Health Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services; call 317-962-8611
• National Crisis Hotline; call or text 988 (available 24/7)

For IU Employees:

• The IU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides 24/7/365 access to licensed mental health counselors via SupportLinc or 888-881- LINC (5462) for IU School of Medicine team members and their households.

Access to Anthem LiveHealth Online is included with your IU-sponsored medical coverage. This service allows you to engage with a mental health provider via telehealth using your IU insurance provider.