Mental Health and Well-Being Stories

The University of Iowa aims to create a sustainable culture of holistic well-being and success. Discover people and perspectives that help us care for ourselves and each other as we integrate study, work, and life. For additional articles on mental health and well-being, read University Counseling Service's news.

A journal with a pen and a cup of coffee and plant on the table

Through the Lens of Gratitude

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Gratitude has the power to bring us closer to others and help us face hard times with more ease. Explore simple ways to nurture a practice that works for you.
Person looking into nature

Navigating the Unseen Burden of Emotional Labor

Monday, April 20, 2026
Whether we realize it or not, we all engage in emotional labor, but over time, it can carry real costs. Learn four simple ways to ease your emotional labor load.
A blank cell phone on pink and purple background

We Went Cold Turkey on Screens — Here’s What Happened

Friday, April 3, 2026
What happens when a family ditches their screens for two weeks? Discover the surprising mental health benefits of a screen detox and whether it might be time for your own reset.
Hand with pen drawing processes on paper

Just Get It Done….But How?

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The power of process can sometimes be overlooked in our work. Learn the significance of process, why it can be challenging to focus on it, and steps to be more intentional with it.
Person walking through a forest, balancing on a log

The Joyful Balance of Caring for Our Work and Each Other

Friday, March 20, 2026
Can leaders support healthy boundaries without dampening the joy of those who want to do more? Discover four ways to preserve joy while preventing burnout.
A hand pointing at a sunrise over a body of water

Finding Steady Ground: Practicing Hope in a Time of Change

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Learn five research-backed principles for building hope — even (and especially) during uncertainty.
Door opening

Transparency Can Make All the Difference

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Transparency isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building trust. Explore practical ways to practice transparency while protecting your well-being when it feels challenging.
Person holding cell phone

Scrolling Past Each Other

Friday, January 30, 2026
Feeling disconnected despite a full life? Learn how smartphone habits impact connection, and discover practical steps to reclaim presence and attention.
Landscape photo of sunset with volumuious clouds, grassy hills in horizon, and tree

Separation from Work Guilt: The Remedies of Nature

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
When guilt follows you even on vacation, it’s time for a recalibration. Discover how nature’s serenity—whether on safari or in your own backyard—can quiet stress, restore perspective, and guide you back to yourself.
Woman with both hands over heart

Compassion Fatigue: Real or Misunderstood?

Friday, November 14, 2025
Feeling drained from caring for others? Learn the difference between empathy and compassion, why compassion is renewable, and simple daily practices that help prevent burnout and stay emotionally balanced.