October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. While the pandemic has taken, and is still taking, its toll on our mental health, Johns Hopkins continues to promote and encourage efforts to prioritize and protect the mental well-being of its faculty and staff. Identifying and treating depression in the workplace may improve not only employee health but productivity, too.

JHEAP, the Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program, is offering the following webinars and resources to raise awareness about depression and well-being.

Understanding and Recognizing Depression for Managers

This online training will improve managers' ability to recognize symptoms of depression and guide them on referring employees to internal and community resources for managing depression. Participants also will learn how to approach employees who might be struggling and encourage them to seek professional assistance for symptoms.

Thursday, Oct. 27, at noon. Register here.

Understanding and Coping With Depression for All Faculty/Staff

Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. It's among the leading causes of disability worldwide and affects more than 120 million people. This seminar will discuss the causes, symptoms, and impact of depression, as well as ways to both seek and receive help.

Though depression can be reliably diagnosed, few affected people receive the proper treatment. You will learn the barriers to treatment as well as ways to overcome them for a happier, healthier life. Learn about the risk factors, signs, and symptoms, as well as effective treatment options for you or your colleagues, families, and friends.

Wednesday, Oct. 26, at noon. Register here.

Mental Health and Well-Being for All

Learn how to be a change agent for mental health inclusion and accessibility. Explore barriers to treatment and learn how to better support your colleagues, families, and friends in this pre-recorded webinar.

Visit the JHEAP website here (company code: JHEAP), go to Online Seminars, and select Mental Health and Well-Being for All.

Additional resources

If you or someone you know has been affected by depression, you are not alone. Free, confidential counseling support—for you and your loved ones—is available 24/7/365 by calling the Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program at 888-978-1262.

The CCA@YourService app (access code: JHEAP) includes a comprehensive emotional wellness screening to identify areas where you might need support. Once the screening is complete, relevant topics are presented and will help inform next steps and suggestions. Additional information and resources can be found on the website myccaonline.com (company code: JHEAP).