FEAP October 2024 Newsletter
October 10 is World Mental Health Day
Happy October! As autumn unfolds and the days grow shorter, we may find ourselves navigating uncertainty while perhaps also looking forward to the celebrations ahead. The vibrant October trees, with their changing colors, serve as a beautiful reminder of transformation and transition.
October also marks World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024—a crucial reminder that mental health is a universal human right and a vital aspect of our well-being, both personally and professionally.
Mental health and work are deeply connected, and difficult or stressful working conditions can lead to harmful effects like anxiety, and burnout. This year's World Health Organization's focus on "Mental Health at Work" emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments.
By reducing stigma in our workplaces, we promote mental well-being and help people thrive. Take time today to explore the resources provided in this newsletter to prioritize your mental health and those around you. Let's work together to foster more inclusive, healthier spaces for everyone.
Yours in well-being,
Beth Danehy, Director, FEAP
Tip of the Month
Read this month’s Tip: Maintaining our Center & Managing Stress in Times of Uncertainty
As elections approach, stress levels among Americans can significantly increase, impacting our interactions and sense of community. Join FEAP Consultant Adele Logan O'Keefe in exploring how we can navigate these challenging times through open dialogue and mental health support.
October is Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, ending on October 15, celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities while also highlighting critical issues like mental health.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), only about 34% of Hispanic/Latinx adults with mental illness receive treatment, a rate significantly lower than that of other demographic groups. This underscores the urgent need for increased access to mental health resources in these communities.
Recognizing this need, FEAP offers access to the FEAP Virtual Resource Library for BIPOC Individuals, which includes tailored resources specifically for Hispanic and Latinx individuals.
Webinars
Practical Steps to Help Build Meaningful Social Connections
October 30, Noon
Join us for a rewarding webinar in our monthly series on emotional well-being, presented by FEAP and Hoos Well and co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost's Faculty Guide program.
We’ll explore practical steps to build meaningful connections, strengthen relationships, and manage social interaction anxiety. Learn how to overcome withdrawal and foster deeper connections in the face of loneliness. Dr. Bethany Teachman, a distinguished psychologist at UVA, will lead the session.
Group Events
NEW! Walk, Drop, & Chill Mindfulness Walk with Adele Logan O'Keefe
October 15, 4:45 p.m.
Join our Walk & Talk series for a mindful stroll to the Lawn. We'll meet at the West Complex entrance of the Old Medical School, enjoying the autumn atmosphere while focusing on grounding ourselves in the present. After a group meditation, feel free to continue walking at your own pace or head home refreshed.
Rest, Reset, and Restore (In-Person) with Anna Delong
October 22, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Human Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) manages stress and recovery. Modern life often disrupts this balance, causing Nervous System Dysregulation (NSD), linked to chronic disease, anxiety, and depression. Learn to activate your Restore Branch at our R-3 Drop-in sessions. Co-sponsored by FEAP and Population Health.
FEAP Virtual Walk & Talk with LaBarron
October 28, 12:15 p.m.
Join FEAP Consultant LaBarron Burwell for mental health check-ins on the move—this is a unique opportunity to prioritize your well-being in a refreshing and supportive environment. This event is dedicated to personal mental health, offering an open space, enriched by your participation. Engage in open, meaningful conversations online while you walk to foster mental wellness and personal growth.
Kultivate Konnection with Pamela Meredith Hamilton
Monthly, 60-minute drop-in session
November 7, 11:30 a.m.
Drop in on the first Thursday of each month for a 60-minute emotional wellness break for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC). Join us in a space that facilitates healing of race-based trauma through a connection with colleagues, shared experiences, and the cultivation of a sense of authenticity and kinship. Share and learn strategies for challenges you are facing and feel uplifted in a welcoming and soulful environment.
October is Mental Health Screening Month
With October 10 being National Depression Screening Day and World Mental Health Day, we find it important to express how mental health screenings play a key role in early intervention. In 2021, 5.4 million people took a mental health screening, and these screenings help reduce the average 11-year delay between the onset of symptoms and first intervention (One Mind). Early detection and treatment in mental health not only improve life quality but also reduce long-term health complications.
Taking an online mental health screening is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to assess whether you might be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental Health America (MHA) offers free, confidential tests, allowing you to receive immediate results and guidance on next steps. These screenings can help you better understand your mental health and provide resources for support if needed.
What do Results from a Mental Health Test Mean?
It is important to note that these mental health tests are like those used by professionals and offer valuable insights but are not a full diagnosis. They can only indicate the possibility of conditions like depression but lack the nuance of an in-person evaluation.
Diagnosing mental health is complex, as symptoms often overlap, and there are several external factors that can play a role, including physical health. A therapist or doctor can observe non-verbal cues, ask clarifying questions, and track changes over time—things an online test can't do.
Therefore, mental health tests are just a place to start. To gain a fuller picture, it's essential to consult a professional and learn more about mental health through education and shared experiences. While mental health tests and online resources can help, they're not a substitute for personalized care.
Whether or not you take one of these tests, FEAP is available for individual consultation and short term, focused counseling for a variety of personal issues and common concerns—including helping you discover best steps for finding long-term personalized care.
Contact FEAP
FEAP (8am-5pm M-F): 434-243-2643 (uvafeap.com)
Crisis & Care Coordinator (8am-5pm M-F): 434-995-8305 (uvafeap.com)
FEAP After-Hours Support: 434-243-2643