Mental wellbeing is a feeling that you can realize your abilities, can work productively and with personal satisfaction, and can participate in other aspects of life through social ties, family, community, or any interests you may choose to pursue.
In the UN we give attention to mental well being as there are many challenges in our work that may test our resilience and at times wear on our personal abilities to cope. Adjustment to living in a different host country and working with multiple cultures and languages is not always easy. Some assignments and missions involve extensive travel and at times presence in crisis situations and danger spots. You are sometimes separated from family members with stress on both sides.
Mental wellbeing services provided by the Staff Counsellor’s Office
- Confidential psychological ‘first aid’ for staff and families requiring immediate psychological or emotional support.
- Confidential short-term individual and group counselling sessions provided by highly qualified mental health professionals.
- Confidential consultations to managers on issues related to the well being of staff
- Training programmes to help staff build emotional resilience and cope with personal stressors
- Confidential, supportive and caring approach so that you feel comfortable in seeking the assistance you need.
How to contact your Staff Counsellor
- The UN Secretariat’s Staff Counsellor’s Office is located in New York in the Secretariat building on the 5th Floor directly next to the elevator (room 505)
- Email scolearn@un.org or call +1 212 963 7044, you do not need to explain your problem to make an appointment—just ask for an appointment with a counsellor.
- Check the iSeek information at your duty station, or inquire with the Medical Service, for the office location and details on contacting the Staff Counsellor serving your duty station.
- To get information on locating services by a Staff Counsellor in global duty stations, email scolearn@un.org or call +1 212 963 7044.