Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
As World Mental Health Day approaches on Tuesday, October 10, it’s a good time for all of us to focus on our mental health and wellbeing. That is particularly true at this point in the semester when many of us feel overwhelmed by academic, social, and personal responsibilities. It’s worth taking time to take care of ourselves.
Harvard will mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday with activities and events across campus. I encourage you to participate and reflect on your self-care practices. The We’re All Human awareness campaign connects students, faculty, academic personnel, and staff with resources to prioritize wellbeing, promote conversations about mental health, and reduce the stigma around seeking mental health care. These resources include:
Access to Care at CAMHS
Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has a range of services to support student mental health. One is TimelyCare, a virtual, student-centered platform thatprovides up to 12 telehealth therapy sessions per academic year for students covered through the student health fee. TimelyCare also offers free self-care content, such as guided meditation and yoga, as well as unlimited health coaching on topics like time management, nutrition, and sleep improvement.
CAMHS has also established a dedicated Access Team of full-time staff to guide and support students seeking care. The Access Team conducts initial consultations to determine appropriate care based on the student’s needs and then connects them to the right resource. Additionally, students with mental health concerns can call CAMHS Cares, a 24/7 support line, whether they are in immediate distress or not and regardless of where they are.
Wellbeing Online Learning Modules
The Mental Health and Wellbeing for Students Online Learning Module is designed to help students prioritize their wellbeing, seek care when needed, support friends in need, and practice self-care through skill building and utilizing Harvard’s resources. Incoming students were required to complete this module, and we strongly encourage returning students to do the same. Faculty, academic personnel, and staff can access a similar learning module that provides information on supporting students in need. Both modules are available on the Student Wellbeing at Harvard website.
Crimson Folders
The Crimson Folder is a quick-reference guide for recognizing and supporting students in distress, responding empathetically, and referring them to appropriate help. Each School has its own Crimson Folder with School-specific resources.
Online Resources
The Student Wellbeing at Harvard website offers mindfulness resources and activities for everyone at the University, including those that support physical and spiritual wellbeing. One resource is CrimsonZip, a new mobile app and website that connects the Harvard community through physical activities, combining the benefits of exercise and social connection.
Additionally, Harvard Human Resources has a suite of wellbeing-related offerings for employees, including the Employee Assistance Program, mindfulness programs, childcare and eldercare assistance, and a monthly newsletter highlighting upcoming events and resources.
Cultivating a Harvard community that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing requires a shift in our collective mindset. We all play a role in shaping the community we aspire to be. Across the University, we are committed to investing in and raising awareness of resources to support your wellbeing, as well as that of your friends and colleagues. Please familiarize yourself with these resources, share this knowledge with others on campus, and use them whenever you or someone you know is in need.
Sincerely,
Alan M. Garber
Provost
As World Mental Health Day approaches on Tuesday, October 10, it’s a good time for all of us to focus on our mental health and wellbeing. That is particularly true at this point in the semester when many of us feel overwhelmed by academic, social, and personal responsibilities. It’s worth taking time to take care of ourselves.
Harvard will mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday with activities and events across campus. I encourage you to participate and reflect on your self-care practices. The We’re All Human awareness campaign connects students, faculty, academic personnel, and staff with resources to prioritize wellbeing, promote conversations about mental health, and reduce the stigma around seeking mental health care. These resources include:
Access to Care at CAMHS
Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has a range of services to support student mental health. One is TimelyCare, a virtual, student-centered platform thatprovides up to 12 telehealth therapy sessions per academic year for students covered through the student health fee. TimelyCare also offers free self-care content, such as guided meditation and yoga, as well as unlimited health coaching on topics like time management, nutrition, and sleep improvement.
CAMHS has also established a dedicated Access Team of full-time staff to guide and support students seeking care. The Access Team conducts initial consultations to determine appropriate care based on the student’s needs and then connects them to the right resource. Additionally, students with mental health concerns can call CAMHS Cares, a 24/7 support line, whether they are in immediate distress or not and regardless of where they are.
Wellbeing Online Learning Modules
The Mental Health and Wellbeing for Students Online Learning Module is designed to help students prioritize their wellbeing, seek care when needed, support friends in need, and practice self-care through skill building and utilizing Harvard’s resources. Incoming students were required to complete this module, and we strongly encourage returning students to do the same. Faculty, academic personnel, and staff can access a similar learning module that provides information on supporting students in need. Both modules are available on the Student Wellbeing at Harvard website.
Crimson Folders
The Crimson Folder is a quick-reference guide for recognizing and supporting students in distress, responding empathetically, and referring them to appropriate help. Each School has its own Crimson Folder with School-specific resources.
Online Resources
The Student Wellbeing at Harvard website offers mindfulness resources and activities for everyone at the University, including those that support physical and spiritual wellbeing. One resource is CrimsonZip, a new mobile app and website that connects the Harvard community through physical activities, combining the benefits of exercise and social connection.
Additionally, Harvard Human Resources has a suite of wellbeing-related offerings for employees, including the Employee Assistance Program, mindfulness programs, childcare and eldercare assistance, and a monthly newsletter highlighting upcoming events and resources.
Cultivating a Harvard community that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing requires a shift in our collective mindset. We all play a role in shaping the community we aspire to be. Across the University, we are committed to investing in and raising awareness of resources to support your wellbeing, as well as that of your friends and colleagues. Please familiarize yourself with these resources, share this knowledge with others on campus, and use them whenever you or someone you know is in need.
Sincerely,
Alan M. Garber
Provost