Mental and emotional health became a major concern during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada, and the University of Nevada Reno campus was no exception. And what’s been realized across Nevada and across the country is that mental and emotional health needs have skyrocketed.
With Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated in May, now behind us, people are being advised that it is important to remain vigilant throughout the year.
“It’s great to raise awareness this month; mental health is a 24/7/365 reality, we work on it full time,” said Yani Dickens, Director of counseling services within student services. “So it’s a good thing for people to make it a part of their daily lives.”
The primary goal of Mental Health Awareness Month, started in 1949 in the United States, is to raise awareness about a variety of mental health topics and provide them with useful and potentially life-saving information and resources. At the University, employees are reminded that they have health benefits that include counseling and other helpful resources.
“Our employees are eligible for Mountain EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services if they need help during life’s difficult times,” said Raeven Johnson, BCN/Department Employee Relations Manager human resources. “They have worked with us for five years as life skills and employee counseling providers.”
EAPs are designed to help employees deal with personal issues that impact their health and well-being and include short-term counseling and referral services. Mountain EAP offers in-person counseling, online sessions, and self-help on a variety of topics. They have a mobile app that offers additional resources.
“They are completely confidential and independent of the University,” Johnson said. “Having a local provider has an advantage for employees: when services are needed now, you get them faster and they hire new providers to meet the demand. They are exactly what we want. They have a sense of responsibility. “emergency just like us. what we do, and that’s a benefit to our employees, especially since we wanted the more personal approach we get with Mountain EAP.
EAP services are available to eligible employees and their dependents, who can receive up to three free sessions per year and can continue to receive insurance benefits if they choose, or be referred to others providers if necessary. Classified employees may use administrative leave for two one-hour visits. Counseling and advisory services are strictly and legally confidential.
“The measures don’t necessarily require sitting across from a therapist,” said Dickens, a licensed therapist. “It is important to get timely and effective attention from the right person and at the right frequency. Mindfulness and self-help can also be helpful to individuals.”
He said there are a number of things people can do to maintain their mental and emotional health – as well as preventative measures people can take to decrease symptoms: Eat well (have a positive relationship with food ), exercise or physical activity (may be more fun than just “working out” or at the gym, using outdoor apps for outdoor activities), limiting mood-altering substances and going to doctor’s appointments for regular check-ups. “And all this helps you sleep well, which is important too.”
PEBP, Nevada’s public employee benefits program, through United Healthcare, has added a mental health benefit and alcohol and substance use assistance for employees who use the program ; this is an added benefit through their member assistance program.
“Mental health needs have increased dramatically,” said Yani Dickens, director of counseling services within Student Services. “The pandemic was a crisis and an opportunity – the opportunity to find new ways to provide services or increase funding. Compared to a few years ago, we now face significant obstacles: lack of clinicians, demands for services and skyrocketing costs. This is a goal of the University. to increase access to mental health providers.
Last year, the University conducted the “Healthy Minds” study to examine mental health issues and use of mental health services among students, faculty and staff to better meet mental health needs. campus mental health office. The study found varying levels of burnout, depression, eating disorders and anxiety among employees. This year, the University conducted a survey on mental health needs and services conducted by IPSOS, a leading market research company. This survey aims to gather valuable information on the experiences, challenges and expectations related to mental health support within the university community.
“We haven’t had any previous figures for comparison, so now, thanks to the IPSOS survey that was just carried out this year, we will be able to compare from year to year,” said Dickens. “Mental health is a big challenge in our community, this will help provide services and resources to employees.”
