As the days grow warmer, thousands of stalks are breaking through the soil and stretching skyward in the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. Beyond the beauty of this natural space, the growth of these flowers illustrates an important lesson about support.

“What happens is that some peony stalks droop,” says Doug Conley, head gardener. “So we may tie the bush together with twine so the individual stalks hold each other, like a big hug. It helps the entire plant bloom.”   

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this May, university health and well-being experts encourage you and your colleagues to be like the peonies - reach out and support one another. It’s a way to connect and build strong relationships that offer comfort in difficult times and help us all grow our own well-being.

When people feel connected, they have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Feeling connected also helps to create more empathy between one another, and that leads to stronger relationships across our community.

“We could all use extra support and kindness in our lives,” adds Kelcey Stratton, resiliency and well-being services program manager at Michigan Medicine. “And if you need to talk, we are always here for you.”

Need Someone to Talk to? 

Support is available year-round for all faculty and staff. Personal counseling is confidential, short-term, and always available at no charge. University faculty, staff, retirees, and their adult family members are eligible.

Learn More About Mental and Emotional Health Resouces

Online mental health screenings are available, as well as more information about health plan benefits, and upcoming support groups and workshops on the UHR website.