Topics in Mental Health

Creating a sustainable culture of mental health and wellbeing is a top priority at the University of Iowa. As part of this effort, university experts provide insight and guidance into the many aspects of how to integrate work and life so we can best care for ourselves while also caring for others.

Brain

Including Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Workplace inclusion is not just about having neurodiverse members on staff, but also providing a sense of belonging. It’s about a company understanding that neurodiverse employees provide a wealth of skills and capabilities like anyone else.
Woman in front of window

Navigating Work Disappointments: Embracing Growth Opportunities

Disappointment is as universal as death and taxes, and while it's inevitable, there are valuable opportunities for growth embedded in these challenging moments. Discover 5 strategies for navigating work disappointments and turning them into opportunities for self-improvement.
stick people

Stigma in the Workplace

Monday, December 11, 2023
Stigma are negative and often unfair beliefs that people have about something. Stigma occurs when there is disapproval, discrimination, exclusion, or negative judgments about a person because of a characteristic, a circumstance, or a quality about that person. We can promote social inclusion of people who have qualities or characteristics that are stigmatized, one friendly gesture or friendship at a time. It is time to end stigma.   
Image: two women sitting at table

Negotiation in the Workplace

Negotiation may be helpful in resolving situations with your family, friends, etc. In the workplace, negotiation is a form of collaboration that can lead to a shared understanding of employee and employer needs and expectations, which can improve well-being and job satisfaction. 
Dog holding flower

Self-Soothing: Lessons from a Dog

Monday, November 27, 2023
Self-soothing is important when it comes to navigating daily stressors. Seeking out methods to help regulate emotional states by yourself can feel daunting, but with practice can be powerful. Now having navigated puppy teething, I can share a few things Finn has taught me.  
two women walking on nature path

Be Happier Today by Sharing With Others

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Whether it's a helping hand, a kind gesture, or a financial donation, each act of giving has the potential to elevate your own well-being and, in turn, raise the well-being of countless others. By collectively sharing and experiencing joy, we have the extraordinary capacity to make our community a happier place this season and beyond.
pointing finger

Workplace Conflict: Is it Me?

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Whether or not the pointer finger is directed at the problem, introspection from the three other fingers pointed at you may be the most effective way to improve your interactions with others and promote work civility.
Writing in notebook

The Power of Reflection and Self-Awareness

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. It is a skill to be practiced. It can be a struggle, though not always a painful one. 
Man with post it notes

Keeping Healthy at Work: Four Tips to Manage Burnout

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Many organizations and professionals are now coming to terms with burnout as a real occupational risk. Learn about 4 strategies that can be effective in staving off burnout.
two hands holding up cut out stick people

From Self-Care to Community Care: Fostering Well-being Together

Monday, October 16, 2023
Encouraging self-care among individuals is admirable, and it's crucial to recognize that self-care, in isolation, can often remain an aspiration rather than a consistent practice. It's in the embrace of community care that self-care becomes sustainable and transformative.