ANN ARBOR—In an effort to raise awareness about emotional health issues, the University of Michigan has launched Understanding U, a comprehensive program that offers information and resources for mental and emotional well-being.

Among the tools in the new program is an interactive Web site available at www.MHealthy.umich.edu. Offered as part of Michigan Healthy Community, the site contains educational content along with tools to assist with day-to-day concerns, strategies for self-care, confidential online screenings to see if symptoms indicate a more serious mental health issue, and a guide to campus and community resources.

Understanding U is designed for everyone on the mental health continuum from well-being to illness, says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources.

“Understanding U helps with the general mental health challenges we all face in everyday life,” Thomas said. “This program illustrates Michigan Healthy Community’s commitment to total health, mind and body.”

The Web site also includes a tutorial for leaders and supervisors to recognize and help with mental health issues that Thomas says sometimes manifest themselves in the workplace.

One-in-five people will experience mental illness at some point in life. Understanding U will promote the message that mental and emotional health concerns are common and treatable.

“The University is committed to promoting and supporting the health and well-being of its community by offering faculty, staff and their dependents high quality, accessible mental and emotional health resources and creating and fostering a healthy workplace,” said Dr. Robert Winfield, chief health officer.

Mental health problems significantly can impact a workplace. These problems can influence job satisfaction, morale and quality of life, but with the proper treatment, recovery and return to a productive life is possible.

Understanding U will help bridge that gap, says Dr. Kenneth Silk, professor of psychiatry who also co-chairs the Understanding U program advisory committee.

“Our mental health deserves the same attention, consideration and care as our physical health,” Silk said. “People who are proactive about their own mental and emotional health function more effectively at work and home.”

A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that depression and anxiety topped the list of reasons why adult Americans miss 1.3 billion days of work or other daily activity each year.

“I believe that as an employer it is essential to provide easily accessible emotional and mental health resources to address everyday life issues that may affect one’s own personal well-being and one’s optimum contributions to their work,” said Tom Waldecker, director of FASAP.

The creation of a confidential Web site can empower more staff and faculty to access and manage their own well-being with educational and self-help resources on a 24/7 basis, Waldecker adds.

“Understanding U invites each of us to be proactive about our emotional and mental health by coordinating University and community resources for better access and navigation,” said Kathleen Robertson, manager, UMHS Employee Assistance Program.

The wellness program offers tips on how to maintain emotional health. Striking a balance between work and personal life is key, says Elizabeth Rodriguiz, administrative assistant intermediate at Biologic & Materials Sciences in the School of Dentistry.

“I schedule time in my life for reading, for exercise, for creative work, and for goofing off,” said Rodriguiz, who was diagnosed with depression as a college student in 1980. “I have found that when I go a day or two without some recreational reading (and the daily newspaper doesn’t count) or a long, fast walk, my brain starts feeling jumbled.”

After identifying a problem, many people often are hesitant to ask for help. Understanding U offers access to valuable information, tools and strategies that can help promote and protect mental and emotional health while reducing the stigma associated with asking for assistance.

“Do seek help,” said Mark Davis-Craig, an employee at Michigan Administrative Information Services who has been treated for depression. “Get over any concerns you have about being weak. You shouldn’t have to see it through on your own.”