We’re trying to get people to realize, If you step away from your desk for one hour, it contributes to your overall well-being. When you come back to your desk, you’re actually more productive.
It’s that time of year in Southeastern Massachusetts when the snow is piled more than two feet high, icicles hang from eaves, the evenings are still dark, and your face hurts from the cold air when you go outside.
Some call it the winter blues, but in truth, many struggle with their mental health in the dead of winter.
To manage these feelings, Bridgewater State University offers a variety of supports for the campus community.
“We have such a great community of students, faculty and staff here. It’s important to let people know that we have resources available,” said Amanda Flashman, assistant director of Talent Development and Engagement.
Flashman and her colleagues plan and organize many wellness-centered events designed to get people moving, talking and connecting.
Some events include a vision board workshop, retirement workshop, group walks, book clubs, yoga sessions, and this month, there is a Movement Break contest.
“We’re trying to get people to realize, If you step away from your desk for one hour, it contributes to your overall well-being. When you come back to your desk, you’re actually more productive,” Flashman said.
Events are regularly posted in community announcements and can also be found at BSU Engage.
Health benefits are offered to faculty and staff through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which provides health, life, and long-term disability insurance to eligible state employees. This includes Mass4You, offered through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The program offers three in-person or virtual counseling visits at no cost as well as other free supports.
“Even if you don’t have GIC coverage, you can still get EAP services,” said Michelle Arsenault, assistant director of Benefits Human Resources and Talent Management. “They offer a variety of things, especially if people are feeling down or suffering from seasonal affective disorder.”
According to Arsenault, EAP is a “problem solver,” not just with behavioral health but also with financial and legal counseling, and it offers support for substance abuse.
“I think these resources are valuable because we want to make sure people are feeling their best so they can bring their best to work every day,” she said.
Counseling services are also offered through the BSU Wellness Center, but other resources are available beyond traditional therapy.
New this year at the Wellness Center, located in Weygand Hall, are seasonal affective lights that mimic natural sunlight, which are available for students, faculty and staff to borrow.
“We also have a variety of books to check out and read, things you can do while snuggled up under a blanket in your dorm room while taking care of yourself,” said Chris Frazer, assistant vice president of Student Life.
Community members are also welcome to visit the Wellness Center to find a quiet place to study or decompress.
“While you’re there, you can learn about ways to stay healthy,” Frazer said. “Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself, to bust yourself out of a rut, is to be proactive about your health. Maybe that means making a doctor’s appointment or connecting with an advocacy group through community health and prevention.”
Taking action can definitely help reveal solutions, Arsenault said.
“Take advantage of the supports BSU has; it’s always a great idea to take care of a problem when it’s a small or minor issue versus letting the problem grow,” she said.
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