Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness. UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the movement in solidarity and partnership with Human Resources with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime. We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together when we embrace and support mental health.
#In Every Story There is Strength is this year's motto from NAMI: more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.
NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability. They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.
In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that supports mental health with local outreach to end stigma. More information on their campaign is linked here.
In addition to the information above, UMBC has many resources and opportunities outlined here:
Student Resources for undergraduate and graduate students include:
UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes
- In-person space for private virtual appointments and Mind Spa amenities
- Online support via Togetherall, Welltrack and Kognito.
- Mind Spa (on the first floor of the Center for Wellbeing
- Wellness Initiative (link)
- Reach out Retrievers for connecting with a peer
- UMBC NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Student Group
- Access to mental health providers and wellness coaches through employee health benefits.
- EAP provides 24/7 free confidential counseling to employees and their household members via the USM Employee Assistance Program (link)
- UMBC's Wellness Initiative provides a range of activities that support mental health
If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link). ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student employee job-related situations.
Community
While some 24 hour resources are provided, it's important to know that anyone can have a moment of crisis, and are people available to listen and help via the following resources:
- 988 Lifeline for Suicide and Crisis Support
- Maryland 211, as in, dial 2-1-1 for help
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or use the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
- Trevor Project link for LGBTQ Crisis Services
Have a safe and healthy month!
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