October 10th is World Mental Health Day! While mental health is one of the foundations of health and well-being, it can often fall low on our list of priorities. The World Mental Health Organization declared this day as an opportunity for all to talk about their own mental health and what needs to be done to make mental health care more accessible.
Good mental health is vital to our overall well-being. Yet, one in eight people globally is living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, well-being, livelihood, and how they connect with others. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
Work should never get in the way of maintaining good mental health; however, a busy schedule may make resources appear inaccessible. In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are some resources you can use at MSU and in your personal life.
MSU Resources
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
University Health and Wellbeing: Supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:
- Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
- Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work!Â
- Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
- Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
Teladoc: Benefits eligible faculty, staff and their dependents currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.) for eligible individuals over the age of 18.
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services: If you’re looking for resources to support students, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive mental health support to MSU students through counseling and psychiatric care.
Local Resources
24-Hour Crisis Services (Walk-In and Mobile):  The City of East Lansing provides walk-in or mobile crisis counseling and mental health assistance around the clock.
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Behavioral Health Services: Sparrow Hospital offers psychiatric and behavioral health services, including holistic care in an external environment and art, music and yoga therapy. 
You and your mental health matter, so join us in celebrating World Mental Health Day by taking charge of your mental health with these resources and more. MSU resources and benefits are available to keep you on the path to a healthy body and mind. Learn more about World Mental Health Day on the World Health Organization website.