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Mental Health

Mental health is everyone's business and we are likely to be affected by mental health changes, concerns or difficulties either personally or professionally through our work and association with students, staff and colleagues.

Achieving and maintaining good mental health and well-being is important for everyone. The information on this page will give you strategies and actions you can take to support yourself and others.

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental well-being.

Take advantage of resources dedicated to your mental health and well-being at CSUSB.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM)

Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2024, 'Cultivate a Healthy Mind'

May 2024 - "Cultivate a Healthy Mind"

May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At CSUSB we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives.

Join the Division of Human Resources, as we acknowledge Mental Health Awareness during the month of May. Each week will bring a different focus, with resources designed to cultivate your mental well-being, as well as that of your colleagues and loved ones.

May 1-3, 2024 - "Sort"

For week 1, start by sorting through all the clutter. Take note of tools you’ll need, and determine which unwanted items can be cleared out. This will help you stay on top of a healthy crop year-round.

5/1: Watch, “Discover Your Stress Personality” (eLearning)

5/2: Listen, “Chatter: How to Harness The Voice in Our Head” (Audiobook)

5/3: Watch, “Aligning Your Values with Work, Life, and Everything In Between” (eLearning)

May 6-10, 2024 - "Plant"

For week 2, we challenge you to lay the ground work and plant seeds to grow.

5/6: Watch, “The Six Mind Shifts for Thriving at Work” (eLearning)

5/7: Watch, “Managing Small Stresses Before They Create Big Problems” (eLearning)

5/8: Watch, “Train Your Brain to Unwind Stress and Anxiety Habits” (eLearning)

5/9: Watch, “Managing Self-Doubt to Tackle Bigger Challenges” (eLearning)

5/10: Listen, “Good Vibes, Good Life” (Audiobook)

May 13-17, 2024 - "Water"

For week 3, find your water source and ensure it is part of your daily routine. Water is responsible for all important and everyday functions of your crop, and is essential for growth.

5/13: Watch, “Practices for Regulating Your Nervous System and Reducing Stress” (eLearning)

5/14: Watch, “Staying Positive in the Face of Negativity” (eLearning)

5/15: Watch, “Time Management for Greater Meaning and Happiness” (eLearning)

5/16: Attend, “First Aid Kit for the Mind” (In Person*, PL-4005, 10:00-11:00am. Pre-Register)

5/17: Listen, “Training Your Mind to Focus and Handle Distractions Better” (Audio Course)

May 20-24, 2024 - "Fertilize"

For week 4, identify additional resources to increase your mind’s fertility, being mindful that nutrients can come from multiple sources.

5/20: Listen, “The Courage of Self Compassion” (Audio Course)

5/21: Listen, “Motivation Code: Discover Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work” (Audio Course)

5/22: Watch, “De-stress: Meditation and Movement for Stress Management” (eLearning)

5/23: Listen, “Mindful Meditations for Work and Life” (Audio Course)

5/24: Listen, “The Good Life: Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” (Audiobook)

May 27-31, 2024 - "Gather"

For week 5, reap the benefits of your labor and continue working toward a healthy harvest on an ongoing basis.

5/28: Watch, “Rediscovering Your Joy, Energy, and Purpose” (eLearning)

5/29: Watch, “Reconnect to Your Spark for More Happiness at Work” (eLearning)

5/30: Watch, “Sustainable Development and Well-being” (eLearning)

5/31: Attend, “Mind-Body Wellness” (In Person*, PL-4005, 11:00am-12:00pm. Pre-Register)

*Alternative options for PDC colleagues. Please contact our team for more information.

Questions? Contact the Staff Development Center at staffdevelopmentcenter@csusb.edu or x73125.

Download the MHAM 2024 Schedule

Get Involved

Mental Health Action Day - May 16, 2024

"Be Seen in Green"

As the official color for mental health awareness, green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. Wearing green, whether it’s a complete outfit, a simple green awareness bracelet, or lighting up your office space, symbolizes unwavering support for mental health. Participating sends a powerful message: Mental health is important, and by joining together, we are advocating for and supporting mental health.

Join this initiative by wearing green on Thursday, May 16th and/or utilize one of our custom virtual backgrounds during your meetings throughout the month.

 

Attend, “First Aid Kit for the Mind” - May 16th, 10:00-11:00am

In Person, PL-4005 (Alternative Option Available for PDC, Contact the SDC). Presented by LifeMatters by Empathia, CSUSB EAP.

Everyone at some time will be subject to emotional upsets. How do we know when emotional upsets can develop into something more significant or problematic? Content includes:

  • The warning signs of mental illness
  • Three common areas of emotional concerns
  • Maintaining mental fitness
  • How LifeMatters can help

Attend, “Mind-Body Wellness” - May 31st, 11:00am-12:00pm

In Person, PL-4005 (Alternative Option Available for PDC, Contact the SDC). Presented by LifeMatters by Empathia, CSUSB EAP.

Many of us are judged in life by how quickly we can get things done. Because of this, it is difficult to develop the mindset of slowing down, getting centered and getting focused. Content includes:

  • Control vs. letting go
  • The practice of mindfulness
  • Conscious breathing
  • Gentle stretching
  • Guided relaxation

Resources

We've put together a wealth of resources available for your use. Feel free to download these tools for future use, and/or share with a colleague!

Support

Life can present challenges, but each day shouldn't constantly feel difficult or beyond your control. If it does, remember that support is available.

Recognizing the right time to seek support from friends, family, and coworkers during difficult times can enhance your mental well-being.

When self-help methods are ineffective, seeking professional assistance for your mental well-being is a display of strength, not weakness. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges by yourself.

Life Matters by Empathia, CSUSB Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Matters is a free employee assistance program offered to CSUSB employees and their families when they are in need of helpful guidance, counseling, local resources or reliable professional care.

For more information, please visit the Life Matters Website. Please contact HR Benefits at Ext. 75143 for the company password you will need to log in. 

Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America advances the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service.

Mental Health America Screening, a national prevention and screening program, is an interactive online space that connects people with tools they can use to improve their mental health. Through the program, participants can take an online screening to determine if they’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The voluntary data from users helps to identify data-driven population health efforts toward prevention and early intervention of mental health conditions, promotion of mental well-being, and equitable allocation of mental health treatment and supports. Additionally, participants will receive customized support that meets them where they are, no matter the current state of their mental health.

Learn More About MHA Screening.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Offers peer-support, answers questions and provides practical resources and next steps. Designed for people living with a mental health condition, their loved ones and caregivers.

Call 1-800-950-6264 or Text “Helpline” to 62640.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection

The NAMI Connection is a support group for people with mental health conditions. Groups meet weekly, every other week or monthly, depending on location. Many support groups are virtual and attendance is open to everyone across the country. This program is also available in Spanish, NAMI Conexión.

Find the NAMI Connection support group nearest you.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group

The NAMI Family Support Group for family members, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Groups meet weekly, every other week or monthly, depending on location. Many support groups are virtual and attendance is open to everyone across the country.

Find the NAMI Family Support Group nearest you.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

A free, confidential, 24/7, treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Available in English and Spanish.​

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.