Beyond the Surface
Ask Questions | Listen Intently | Be Honest | Break the Stigma
Our Beyond the Surface call to action works in conjunction with behavioral health resources to normalize mental health struggles and prioritize mental wellness. We hope it will spark conversations at work, with our families and within our community. Ultimately, we hope it will compel you to share and respond in ways that recognize the importance of mental wellness in all of our lives.
“Beyond the Surface” emails are sent out quarterly to Purdue employees and supervisors, which include behavioral health information, resources and tools to help them go beyond the surface for behavioral health needs. When we go beyond the surface and share with trusted individuals, we show that it’s normal to have times where we struggle – and that it’s okay to seek help. In fact, it’s a really healthy choice. Working together we can build understanding and compassion, which ultimately will make us stronger as a Purdue community.
Work Stress: You Are Not Alone
94% of employees indicate experiencing stress in the workplace. 1/3 of employees describe stress levels as ranging from high to unsustainably high.
Let's make talking about mental health normal
Did you know that the average full-time employee spends approximately half of their waking life at work? That means how you feel mentally and emotionally at work has a significant impact on other areas of your life. Mental health has become an increasingly important issue – both at work and outside of it – as individuals grapple with stress, anxiety and depression. That’s why at Purdue and Purdue Global, we want to go Beyond the Surface and make talking about mental health more normal so we can encourage one another to seek support when needed.
If you're struggling with your mental health at work, it’s important to remember you are not alone, and there are resources available to help. Here are six things you can do to help put your mental well-being first:
- Be a friend, find a friend: Friendship is powerful in managing stress. According to a Psychology Today report, those with meaningful connections feel more optimistic about the stress they're facing.
- Practice positive self-talk: Be intentional about the way you talk to yourself. Speak truths and affirmations and be kind to yourself.
- Learn how to deal with stress: Stress is a part of life, so it’s important to learn how to manage it. Common coping strategies include exercise, short walks, being out in nature, breathing exercises and writing in a journal.
- Talk opening to your manager: Your manager may now know you are struggling, so having an open conversation will not only validate what you're experiencing but create a more supportive environment around you.
- Support people: Treat everyone with respect and offer support and encouragement – as you do, you'll likely receive it in return.
- Get help when you need it: It’s okay to seek help, and we encourage you to use our free, confidential counselors through Purdue’s EAP / behavioral health providers. You can talk about work, (and non-work) issues, and no one but you and the counselor will know that you are receiving counseling or what you discuss.
- West Lafayette: SupportLinc (code for new registrants: purdue)
- Fort Wayne: Bowen Center
- Northwest: New Avenues
- Purdue Global: HealthAdvocate
As leaders in our organization, you're often in a position to see when your employees may be struggling. That means you can help ensure that employees and their families take advantage of the behavioral health resources available to them.
Videos:
Signs and Symptoms that help maybe needed
What to expect with Purdue's behavioral health
Prioritizing Mental Health at Work
Email examples:
Beyond the Surface: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health at Work