May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) has developed a series of events and resources to promote mental well-being and foster a supportive community at UCOP and UCSF.

Virtual events

Select each event date and time to register; listings reflect Pacific Time.

Gratitude in Action Hour with Dr. Jessica Allanson
May 9 at 4 p.m. or May 10 at 12 p.m.
Over the last 20 years, research supporting the benefits of mindfulness and gratitude practices has increased. Still, finding the right practice and time to do it can feel daunting. During this community-focused workshop, Jessica Allanson, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and fellowship training coordinator at UCSF FSAP will share current research on the benefits of a daily gratitude practice and tools to support your journey in finding a gratitude practice that works for you. This workshop will cover:

• Recent research supporting the benefits of practicing gratitude
• Options for creating a daily gratitude practice
• Common barriers to starting a new practice
• How to create an individual plan for implementing a gratitude practice
• Opportunities to try different gratitude practices

Meditation Hour with Dr. Ana Dolatabadi
May 13 at 12 p.m.
Join Ana Dolatabadi, Psy.D., director and clinical psychologist with the UCSF FSAP program for a virtual meditation hour. All you need to participate is a private, quiet space. Beginners and advanced practitioners are invited to practice three meditation techniques to help you de-stress, enhance mindfulness and promote overall well-being.

Putting Pen to Paper – a Journaling Hour for Reflection and Self-Expression with Dr. Nicolas Bob
May 29 at 4 p.m. and May 31 at 12 p.m.
Join Nicolas Bob, Psy.D., FSAP postdoctoral fellow, for a captivating hour of journaling to awaken creativity and foster personal growth. During three 15-minute guided journaling sessions, you will ignite your imagination and well-being, connecting with yourself and processing feelings without inhibition. No prior journaling experience is necessary—simply bring an open mind and a willingness to explore. Grab your favorite pen or pencil, and journal or paper, then prepare to embark on a transformative journey. All writing will remain entirely private.

Resources for team leaders and wellness champions

Please share the following tools and ideas with your teams:

• Mental Health Bingo: Try this lighthearted and enjoyable way to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Participants explore various self-care practices, build resilience, and connect with others who share a common goal of prioritizing mental health.
• Wholesome Story Hour: This unique and low-stress activity fosters community, connection, empathy and humor within teams. Connect on a human level, build empathy and inspire one another through the art of storytelling.
• Green Campaign: Make a meaningful statement about Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing green throughout May! By donning the color of growth, renewal and hope, you’ll show your support for mental health awareness while sparking important conversations and reducing stigma around mental health challenges.