The COVID-19 pandemic has really had an impact on people’s mental health.
And Julie Serovich is trying to change that.
She contacted the Tampa Bay Crisis Center for help in creating a free online course on how mental health affects people in the workplace.
Serovich is the dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida.
She says the Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace series is open to anyone interested in learning more about mental health and workplace culture.
“We’re primarily for people who have to deal with disruption,” Serovich said. “People who may have difficulties at work or addictions, and they present and manifest themselves in different ways.”
But she added that the seven-part series shouldn’t replace therapy.
“It’s not about diagnosis, or monitoring, or treatment. It’s about identifying and getting people to a place that can help them.”
Address corporate culture
Every week, starting June 12, a new episode will be released. Each will cover different behavioral health topics and include a variety of panels, lectures and discussions.
The first part will examine the impact of mental health within companies.
“What does it cost you to have people with mental health, behavioral health, or addictions in the workplace?” said Serovich. “What is the bottom line of your business? »
USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
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Each of the seven strands of the Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace course will cover different aspects of the behavioral health of employees and their bosses.
The episodes will deal with workplace culture and its evolution.
“We know we had the big quit and people left their workplaces,” she said. “So what is the culture that will make it easier to get the best from your employees and have your employees give their best?”
Other episodes will cover the basics of mental health and wellbeing and how to identify and approach people in the workplace.
Clara Reynolds, CEO of the Tampa Bay Crisis Center, was able to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the project. She said the series will also cover some pretty tough topics.
The lingering effects of COVID-19
“What’s happened with COVID-19 is that individuals are recognizing that issues like anxiety and depression, crisis thoughts, suicide, these are things that aren’t as taboo anymore.” , said Reynolds. “They need a place to ventilate and vent and that for many people they want their employer to acknowledge and acknowledge when they are struggling.”
Reynolds said that for a long time, the workplace culture was that if an employee had a mental health issue, they could be negatively affected by it.
“Maybe it would impact your promotion, maybe it would impact your raise,” Reynolds said. “I think what we’re seeing right now is a real push from the employees – they’re saying, ‘No, no, no, I’m getting all into it. “”
As the series is virtual, participants will be able to go through the course at their own pace.
Approximately 40 speakers from across the country will be featured throughout, offering their expertise and advice on mental wellness.
Reynolds said each class will give people the chance to “stop for a moment” if they need to, and anyone who signs up has “permission to stop and take a break”.
She hopes that once participants complete the course, they can recognize the importance of their mental health.
“To be able to empty their stress bucket every day, so they can be the best not only for themselves, but for their families, and also for their businesses,” Reynolds said.
USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Services Dean Julie Serovich is teaming up with Tampa Bay Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds to offer free online courses to help employees and their employers to deal with mental health issues in the workplace.
To access the free online course, participants will need to register online. No additional conditions are necessary to register.
The University of South Florida also offers a certificate and digital badge for $179 that attendees can display on social media and resumes.
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