May is Mental Health Awareness Month
This annual nationwide event is a reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on wellbeing. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, and mental wellbeing is a part of each person’s overall health.
Since we all have unique needs, supports, access to resources, and capabilities, how we care for ourselves and others is also unique – especially in times of crisis. The dimensions of our wellbeing are interdependent and can be deeply informed by our culture and lived experiences.
Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness and more. It can also help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. From a physical health perspective, self-care (movement, nutrition, and sleep) also reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
This guide, Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-step Guide to Wellness, may help you consider the status of your wellbeing and explore potential approaches to help you feel better.
Below is a list of events, resources, programs, tools that you may find helpful.
Get Involved in Mental Health Awareness Month
- Download the Cornell Zoom Background for Mental Health Awareness Month
- Embrace and honor your mental wellbeing journey – take pride in the steps you’ve taken.
- Speak about the importance of mental health publicly with friends, family, and colleagues – when posting to social media, use hashtag #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Better Together for Mental Health – Community Celebration – Saturday, May 11, Stewart Park. A fun and free day of activities for all ages to assist in prioritizing mental health including guided nature walks, yoga, mindful movement, dance, live music, writing workshops, street performers, free food, and more! Over 40 different organizations, mental health providers, and entertainers will be spread across Stewart Park. Free, tickets not required.
Raising Resilient Kids: Children’s Mental Health in Today’s World with Care.com – Wednesday, May 22, 12-1pm. Presented by Dr. Bob Franks, President and CEO of The Baker Center and faculty member at Harvard Medical School.
Free Webinars & Workshops by Spring Health
- How to Prioritize Your Mental Wellbeing – May 14, 3-4:00
- Explore Your Story Through Journaling – May 28, 4-4:45
- Mindfulness to Reduce Your Stress – May 9, 4-4:20
- Mindfulness to Improve Your Mood – May 17, 1-1:20
- Mindfulness to Improve Your Sleep – May 20, 4-4:20
- Mindfulness for Your Concentration – May 31, 1-1:20
Cornell Inclusive Excellence Podcast Episodes
- “Wherever I go, I want it to matter that I was there” – featuring Cornell retiree, Cal Walker.
- “What if success was measured by wellbeing?” – featuring Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program Director, Dr. Wai-Kwong Wong, and Lead Clinical Administrative Assistant, Jasmine Jay.
Building Community at Cornell
Nature, Physical Activity, and Mindfulness
- 2024 Bike Month Activities
- 2024 Garden Fair and Plant Sale – Friday, May 17, 1-7pm, Ithaca Farmer’s Market
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Nature RX @Cornell
- Let’s Meditate Program
- Cornell Wellness
Cornell Counseling Resources
- Faculty and Staff Assistance Program – Free and confidential, brief counseling and support is available to benefits-eligible employees, retirees, and their spouse/partner.
- eni Confidential Counseling Services – Employees may receive up to three visits from eni Confidential Counseling. Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week for any issue.
- Endowed & Contract College Health Plans – In-network mental health services and programs.
Additional Cornell Resources for Employees
Cornell Community Response Team (CRT)
The CRT is a law enforcement alternative within the Cornell Division of Public Safety available to assist students, faculty, and staff during crisis. The CRT is staffed from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday through Monday, in Appel Commons room 103 and is available at 607-253-2100. For emergencies, call 911 or the Public Safety Communications Center (607-255-1111) so that the appropriate team can be dispatched.
Supporting Cornell Students
- Visit mentalhealth.cornell.edu for a full list of resources and support services.
- Notice and Respond – Assisting Students in Distress Educational Program
- WISE: Promoting Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Teaching and Advising Practices
Community Resources in Tompkins & Surrounding Counties
- Feeling overwhelmed? Call #211, chat, or visit the Human Services Coalition website to get help with finding helpful services.
- Tompkins County Mental Health Services (607-274-6200) - Therapy for individuals, families, youth, and children. Other counties
- Mental Health Association of Tompkins County (607-273-9250) - In person and online support groups for youth and families.
- NAMI Finger Lakes (607-288-2460) – Family and partner/spouse support groups and community education.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 – Free and confidential support for people in distress.
- Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services (607-272-1616) – Ithaca area’s local crisis line
- Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (607-273-5500) - Outpatient, residential, and telehealth treatment and rehabilitation services.
- The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County (607-277-3203) - Support for survivors, friends, and families of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- The Sophie Fund – Supporting mental health initiatives in the Ithaca community.
- Tompkins County Department of Social Services – support programs to help with food, child care, and cash assistance, among others - Other counties