Building positive well-being and caring for our mental health are critical elements of coping with everyday stressors, successfully contributing to our community, and reaching our full potential. This month is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on our mental well-being and learn how to implement positive change to help ourselves and others. It is also a good time to explore the resources available at NIH that support our mental health and well-being. The NIH-wide Mental Health and Well-Being Action Team and many offices across NIH have planned several mental health-related activities, resources, and webinars for our community this month.
The NIH-wide Mental Health and Well-Being Action Team: brings together experts from across NIH to align and share mental health-related resources for NIH staff, trainees, and contractors; brings awareness of emerging mental health concerns; identifies needed support for NIH well-being, and ensures information is both impactful and easily accessible. The Action Team regularly collaborates on a number of important topics and programs, including mental health research, employee assistance, human resources, intramural training and education, and behavioral and social sciences research.
Throughout May, Mental Health Awareness Month, NIH community members can take advantage of many available opportunities to learn more about mental health support at NIH and techniques to care for their own well-being. Here are just a few of the activities taking place in May:
- Financial Planning Basics and Income for Life Webinar
Wednesday, May 11 at 1:00 pm Meeting Link
- Promoting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Biomedical Trainees Webinar
Tuesday, May 17 at 12:00 pm, followed by a discussion to deepen learning. Choose either Tuesday, May 17 at 1:15 pm or Friday, May 27 at 11:00 am Registration Link - Mental Well-Being Expert Panel Discussion
Friday, May 20 at 12:00 pm. In collaboration with the Resilience Through Well-Being campaign. - Outdoor Exercise Session to Support Your Mental Well-being Event
Tuesday, May 24 at 12:00 pm. On the main campus in front of Building 1. - Navigating Our Future Work Environment; Flexibilities, Adaption, and Communication Panel Discussion
Wednesday, May 25 at 10:00 am Registration Link
You can find out more on these and other events occurring throughout the month at the Office of Research Services Work-Life@NIH website, the National Institute of Mental Health website, and the Employee Assistance Program website for more information. Trainees can find additional wellness and resilience activities on the Office of Intramural Training and Education website.
