Breaking the Taboo: Addressing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace through Education

The growing concern of mental health issues in the workplace is affecting many individuals across the country, with 76% of workers reported experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition in 2021 according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To address this issue, the University of South Florida introduced a new online course called Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace. This course has been designed in collaboration with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.

In its first year, over 4,500 working professionals from top companies nationwide and globally enrolled in the course. The primary objective of the course is to educate participants on how to effectively deal with mental health challenges, promote a healthy team environment, and provide support to employees. Through the course, individuals learn to recognize mental and behavioral issues, including topics like trauma and suicide, which are on the rise in today’s society.

Dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Julie Serovich, emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially in times of crisis. The course is offered free of charge, with the intention of making a meaningful impact on individuals rather than generating profits.

The Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace course is open to the public and consists of seven two-hour sessions. By enrolling in this course, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and skills to address mental health challenges in the workplace.