Wellness Resources

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Individuals with a positive attitude, high self-esteem, a strong sense of self, and the ability to recognize and share feelings with others are more likely to work toward goals, find the resources they need, and attract others with their energy and optimism. Students who are mentally and emotionally healthy have the ability to cope with the stressors of work, school, family, and other obligations effectively and in a healthy way.

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Choices regarding alcohol and other drugs can affect personal health, academic performance, career, and legal standing, as well as negatively impact students’ living and learning environments. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, it is important to contact the appropriate agency as soon as possible to obtain addiction services.

Franklin University strives to create an environment of safety and accountability. Individuals can experience violence regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. There are some groups that experience violence at rates higher than others, but it can happen to anyone. State law and university policy prohibit all forms of sex- and gender-based violence.

Relationship violence is violence between those in an intimate relationship (this includes romantic, dating, or domestic relationships). This can include (but is not limited to) physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others' safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Franklin University also prohibits cyber stalking which occurs when a person, through a pattern of conduct which includes the use of electronic communication, causes another person physical or mental distress.

Sexual assault is any sexual activity, however slight, lacking consent and/or by force. This can include nonconsensual sexual intercourse or other physical contact. Sexual assault most frequently occurs between people who know each other. They may be friends, romantic partners, co-workers, roommates, classmates, or casual acquaintances. They may have just met or be long-time acquaintances. 

A number of free and low-cost mediation and legal services are available to the Franklin University community. They provide access and support for a variety of issues, and can provide mediation for prevention and intervention.

Employee Assistance Plan

Franklin University employees may seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is provided by Reliance Standard (ACI Specialty Benefits). This program provides confidential counseling services to employees, spouses, children and family members, regardless of location or relationship. These programs deal with abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, family and parenting, legal, emotional, financial, and many other issues. Reliance Standard (ACI Specialty Benefits) can be reached at 1-855-RSL-HELP (1-855-775-4357), or rsli@acieap.com. Additional information can be found here.