According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in four adults — approximately 61.5 million Americans — will experience mental illness in a given year.

In support of May as National Mental Health Month, the university’s MHealthy Thrive! stress management program, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, and UMHS Employee Assistance Program are encouraging U-M faculty and staff to take a moment each day this month to “check in” on their emotions.

“Because emotional well-being is such an essential part of our overall wellness, it deserves ongoing attention and care, just like your physical health,” says John R. Sonnega, stress management program manager for MHealthy. “Simply asking yourself, ‘How am I doing today?’ at the start of your day, gives you an opportunity to focus on you and how you feel.”

“If an emotion is preventing you from feeling your best, know that you are not alone and that the university and your health plan offers resources to help you manage your emotions, cope with daily stressors, and enjoy your life more fully,” Sonnega says.

Here are some of the mental and emotional health programs and services available year-round:

In-person counseling

Confidential short-term counseling is always available to university faculty, staff, retirees and their families at no charge, and can play an important role in routine preventive health care: 

• Health System employees: Contact the UMHS EAP at 734-763-5409 or eap@med.umich.edu, or visit the UMHS EAP website.

• Ann Arbor and Flint campus employees: Contact FASAP at 734-936-8660 or fasap@umich.edu, or visit the FASAP website.

• Dearborn campus employees, call 313-593-5430.

Online screenings

Confidential and anonymous online mental health screenings are available any time for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol misuse, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will receive an immediate result at the end of each screening to print and take to a counselor for further evaluation if necessary.

Mental and emotional wellness classes

A variety of free classes and programs are offered year-round focused on topics like stress management, self care, anger management, resiliency, divorce and breakup, caregiver support, mindfulness and more. Register and learn more.

Health plan benefits

All U-M health plans cover mental and behavioral health services like counseling, therapy and substance abuse treatment. For specific information on benefits, covered employees and spouses or other qualified adults can review their health plan information or contact their doctor or health plan to get help finding a provider.