Tools and Programs: Mental Health and Stress
Click on the links below to access tools and programs available from local community organizations to assist employers with addressing mental health and stress in the workplace.
Right Direction Program
Partnership for Workplace Mental Health
This free online program includes resources to raise awareness about depression in the workplace, promote early recognition of symptoms, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The website provides employers with sample communications and posters, strategies to optimize EAP use, and educational materials to assist employees in seeking help. Employees can also access the site directly to learn about depression symptoms, access free screening tools, and connect to local resources to get help for mental health concerns.
Mental Health First Aid of Missouri
National Council for Behavioral Health
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a certification program that teaches community members, workplace managers, and first responders how to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems and provide appropriate support to those suffering. Coordinated through the National Council for Behavioral Health and facilitated locally through the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Missouri Institute of Mental Health, the 8-hour MHFA course equips managers and coworkers with the skills to combat stigma surrounding mental illness and assist employees in obtaining resources for treatment and coping.
Mental Health Month Toolkit
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
Since 1949, Mental Health America and affiliates across the country have led the observance of Mental Health Month in May by reaching millions of people through the media, local events, and screenings. Employers can join in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities. Resources include sample communications, social media messaging, infographic fact sheets, banner images, and a calendar poster.
Mental Health Seminars
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri wants to start the conversation and give employees the skills needed to make mental wellness part of everyday life. Onsite seminars are available to teach a variety of techniques to help employees care for mental health just as they care for physical health. Presentations provide skill-building activities and information to address stress, avoid burn out, boost resiliency, heighten emotional intelligence, and enhance productivity and overall well-being.
Mental Health Screening Tools
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether a person is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri provides links to free screening tools for depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, and psychosis. A Work Health Survey is also available to explore how healthy or unhealthy the work environment is and how this may impact mental well-being.
Community Support Group Directory
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
This directory provides up-to-date listings for support groups covering a wide range of mental, behavioral, and physical health concerns in the metropolitan St. Louis area. Each listing contains contact information, and when possible, a brief description of the support group’s goal and purpose.
Trauma-Informed Trainings
Alive and Well STL
Alive and Well STL, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the St. Louis Mental Health Board, hosts trainings for community members and organizations about the prevalence of trauma and stress, their impact on social, emotional, and health outcomes, and how to appropriately identify and assist a trauma survivor.
Health Promotion Presentations
St. Louis County Department of Public Health
The mission of the Community Health Promotion division unit is to promote healthy behaviors in collaboration with community partners. Experienced health educators can present onsite at local worksites on a variety of topics. Mental health programs are developed based on information from the Mental Health Association and American Counseling Association.
Health Education Sessions
St. Luke’s Hospital
St. Luke's Hospital can provide educational seminars, created and presented by health professionals, on a wide array of topics. These include diet and nutrition, fitness and exercise, general health, heart health, women's health, cancer/oncology, sleep disorders, and stress management.
Lunch and Learn Sessions
Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis
Nurses are available to come onsite to local workplaces and provide customized presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics, including: Living Well with Diabetes; Eating Healthy on the Run; Managing Stress; Making Healthy Food Choices; Living Well with High Blood Pressure; and Easy Ways to Increase Your Activity.
Health Education Workshops
University of Missouri Extension
MU Extension’s Nutrition and Health Specialists are available to provide workshops and courses based on the latest scientific evidence to improve employee health and well-being. The following topic areas are available: balance and fall prevention, strength training for older adults, healthy food shopping and preparation, food canning and preservation, mindfulness, and chronic disease and diabetes self-management.