MSU is committed to supporting employees by providing benefits, programs, and a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and employee wellbeing. However, according to a 2024 SHRM study, “Employees are not taking full advantage of the benefits already being provided. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. workers said they are unaware or only somewhat aware of the available resources.” We want to ensure you know the resources available to support you and your family’s well-being and mental health. Check out these resources to help you prioritize and invest in your care and well-being.
Trained Mental Health Professional Benefit Resources:
- MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate and student employees, and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. MSU offers Zoom and in-person appointments to best fit your work schedule. Due to licensing regulations, individuals must be in the state of Michigan to access services.
- MSU employees and their dependents (age 18+) currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc. This online medical care service 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.).
- If you are enrolled in an MSU health plan, refer to the Mental Health Care section of the health care plan summary (support staff or faculty/academic staff) for specific details about mental health benefits.
Wellbeing Tools and Resources:.
- The Spartan Resilience Education Program, through various media and seminars/webinars, seeks to ensure that resilience education is accessible, inclusive, and ever-present as part of the “Spartan Experience.” They aim to provide opportunities for any Spartan to develop (or strengthen) the skills needed to respond effectively to their unique collection of challenges.
- Learning the basic principles presented in the Breaking Free from Stress course will help you experience less day-to-day stress and more joy and satisfaction as you increase your capacity to live your life in alignment with your deepest wisdom and greatest sense of purpose. 2025 session dates are out now!
- Mindful STATE is a university-wide, collaborative initiative to further the practice of mindfulness and other contemplative practices among members of the MSU community. Join fellow Spartans Lisa Laughman, Meg Moore, or John Taylor for a brief meditation to help you return to a more mindful state. Meditation videos are available when you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about someone, or stressed.
- The MSU Grief and Loss Support Group meets weekly (virtually) to support individuals grieving the loss of a friend, loved one, pet, co-worker, or family member.
- University Health and Wellbeing creates an inclusive, responsive work environment that respects and supports all employees’ wellbeing in their work and personal lives.
- Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres.
- Set for Success: A 45-minute virtual webinar focusing on three key health topics—Sleep, Ergonomics, and Time Management. This series provides valuable insights and practical tips to help participants make positive lifestyle changes at work and at home.
- Review the Well-being at Work Guide to learn how to create and maintain healthier and happier workspaces and teams.
- The Beal Botanical Garden is a favorite place for campus and community members to unplug from the chaos of their everyday lives and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- The Nurture Your Roots program invites you to connect mind, body, and nature with practices to enrich well-being.
- Explore mindfulness through journaling with their Pocket Journal designed by Beal Scholar Elliot Pancioli. During the warmer season, they offer Yoga in the Garden. These classes are free, but registration is required. Watch the events page for more information.
- They also offer a Campus Meditation Map, which highlights places across campus where you can take a moment to center yourself and practice self-care or enjoy a beautiful view.
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.
- Online Mental Health Screening: The Ingham County Health Department offers free and anonymous behavioral health screening and links to resources related to your results.
- 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. 
Work should never interfere with maintaining good mental health. If we missed any resources, let us know in the comments below!
Sources:
Agovino, T. (2024, May 3). Mental health, HR and the Workplace. Welcome to SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/mental-health–hr-and-the-workplace