May 2025 Newsletter
Mental Health Month is the Month of “May”
May is a month when the world exhales into color, warmth, and possibility—a season that reminds us growth is not just an idea but something we can see and feel. It’s fitting, then, that May is also Mental Health Awareness Month: a time to honor the often unseen landscapes of our inner well-being.
Even the word May carries quiet permission: you may pause, begin again, try something new, set a boundary, seek support, or simply be. In a world that prizes constant doing, May offers a gentler invitation—to grow, to change, and to care for ourselves without needing permission.
This month, we invite you to lean into that softness. Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about addressing challenges—it’s about making space to flourish, whatever that looks like for you. Whether it means reaching out for help, practicing self-care, or offering yourself grace, remember: you may.
At FEAP, we’re here to step forward with you. Our no-cost, confidential services are always available to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month. In the sections that follow, you’ll find events and resources designed to support you. Let this be a time not just to witness the world in bloom—but to give yourself the same chance.
Yours in Well-Being,
Beth Danehy, Director, FEAP
Tip of the Month
Read this Month’s Tip: Read this Month’s Tip: Tension to Teamwork: Strategies for Managing Conflict in the Workplace
Conflict is a natural part of working with diverse people, but when managed well, it can lead to growth, innovation, and stronger teams. Explore how to turn workplace disagreements into opportunities for collaboration and learn practical strategies for healthy conflict resolution in this insightful article.
Upcoming Webinars
Break the Stress Cycle: Pull Yourself Out of Worry Loops
May 7, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
When you find yourself getting stuck in worry loops about the past, or consumed with worries about the future, mindfulness can help.
Braving the Arena: Leading Ourselves with Empathy, Self-Compassion, and Courage
June 10, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
In today’s complex world, how we navigate our emotions shapes our personal well-being. Join this webinar to cultivate greater emotional awareness, connection, and self-kindness. Discover how to navigate vulnerability, understand the nuances of difficult emotions, overcome empathic barriers, and redefine self-compassion as a foundation for resilience and meaningful connection.
Group Events
Second Annual Well-Being Walk: Overcoming Stigma & Building Hope
TOMORROW, May 2, 1:30 p.m.
Join FEAP, the Contemplative Sciences Center, Hoos Well, Wisdom and Well-Being, Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group, and the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development for the second annual Well-Being Walk—a 1-mile reflective journey focused on community, connection, and mental health awareness.
Rest, Reset, and Restore
May 6, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (Virtual)
May 20, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (In-Person)
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.
Caregiver Connection: Exploring Care and Support
May 15, 12:00 noon - 1:15 p.m.
Learn practical techniques for approaching and discussing challenging topics in dementia care. This session offers tips for starting conversations around difficult subjects, such as seeking a diagnosis, determining when it’s time to stop driving, and creating essential legal and financial plans for future care.
Kultivate Konnection
Monthly, 60-minute drop-in session
June 5, 11:30 a.m.
Join us on the first Thursday of each month for a 60-minute emotional wellness break—a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and explore strategies for life’s challenges in a community that understands. Facilitated by Pamela Hamilton from UVA FEAP, this session offers culturally responsive support and meaningful resources to uplift and empower you.
Well-Being at Your Finger Tips
Rest, Reset, and Restore Recorded Exercise
Take a few moments to nurture yourself with this simple mindful breathing practice, to cultivate self-compassion, resilience, and sustainable care. Listen Enhance a Positive Moment!
Webinar Archive
The FEAP for You portal offers a rich archive of past webinars covering a wide range of topics, from positive intelligence and avoiding burnout to workplace mental health. Explore the collection today!
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 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F): 434-243-2643 (uvafeap.com)
Crisis & Care Coordinator (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F): 434-995-8305 (uvafeap.com)
FEAP After-Hours Support: 434-243-2643