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Mental Health Support

1 in 5 U.S. adults

experience mental illness each year.

1 in 20 U.S. adults

experience serious mental illness each year.

Fast Facts supported by NAMI

1 in 6 U.S. Youth

aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.


Campus Resources

University Police: Assistance with critical situations call 911, for non-emergency on campus assistance call 920-465-2300

Employee Assistance Program: All aspects of wellness assistance - free for household members. 877-334-0489

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA): job-protected leave for paid/unpaid time off.

Well Wisconsin: Meet with a wellness health coach; call WebMD Helpline 800-821-6591 (for those enrolled in State Group Health)



Crisis Hotlines & Resources

Mental & Behavioral Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or Chat (What to Expect)

LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Veteran Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press1, text 838255, or Chat

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Locate a local support group for yourself and families of individuals with mental illness.

National Institute of Mental Health

Mental Health America

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

"Telling the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. There's no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the results of a physical illness. Each illness has its own set of symptoms but (there are) some common signs of a mental health condition" - NAMI

Warning Signs and Symptoms (1.48 min video)

Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues Quick Flyer

Warning Signs of Suicide Quick Flyer (Spanish Version)

supported by NAMI and A World Without Suicide

We all need reminders on how to manage loneliness, particularly in times of great loss or difficult life changing moments.

"In this video, you will learn:

  • Practical, actionable techniques to help cope with feeling lonely during these difficult times
  • How to navigate difficult feelings
  • The shifting of challenging emotions
  • How managing social anxiety can help improve your health and happiness"

Managing Loneliness in Trying Times Video (1 hour)

supported by Virgin Pulse

                                                                              Your approach matters.

We all need support. Here are a few training resources to help you support a colleague that may be struggling with mental health concerns. Remember, it is not your focus to provide counseling or 'fix' their issues, it's about showing support and respecting their struggle.

Learn How to Approach Colleagues that Appear to be Struggling

Below are video trainings to help you gain insight on how to work with and support colleagues with mental health concerns. Take the time to do a little on-demand training for yourselves and encourage others to go through the information as well.

How to Talk About Mental Health Without Offending Everyone (16.50 min TEDx Talk)

  • Learn a perspective on how to make room for someone else's story and provide an open environment for discussion.
    • This video is provided by Dan Berstein, Mediator

I'm not Sick, I Don't Need Help! (18.02 min TEDx Talk)

  • Learn the LEAP method for communicating with a colleague, friends, and family members. This video provides a good example of how typical approaches may be perceived by the individual struggling with a mental health illness or having a mental health crisis.
    • This video is provided by Dr. Xavier Amador, Clinical Psychologist

Supporting Employees After a Mental Health Leave of Absence (11.19 min video)

  • "Normalizing returning to work after treatment for mental health is an important part of breaking stigma and supporting your employees. Four key strategies are outlined in this video for a successful return to work experience for your entire team. How to handle team members reactions and questions regarding the employee's return is also covered in this module." - Mettie Spiess

Win Win Team Communication (5.47 min video)

  • How you write or verbally communicate and respond to other written and verbal communications matters. Learn strategies for communicating to assist with improved understanding and respect.

Video trainings are provided from Mettie Spiess, Founder & CEO of A World Without Suicide, Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor.

Invisible Disabilities: Supporting Employees with Conditions We can't See (1 hour video)

  • This is a free on-demand educational video that will provide hands-on examples for how to work with employees that have conditions that are not obvious to the naked eye, such as mental illness. 

Provided by Virgin Pulse

If you notice a colleague in a mental health crisis, do not hesitate to reach out to University Police (920-465-2300) and/or Human Resources (920-465-2390) for help.

supported by NAMI