• Mental Health S.O.S Campaign

You know that taking care of yourself physically means getting an annual checkup, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water and getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night. But are you doing enough take care of your mental health?

Here, we’ve put together a suite of tools and resources to help you on your mental health journey. Each month, we’ll highlight a different mental health concern, along with advice on how to address it.

For year-round support, turn to one of the following options:

Click on the tabs below to learn more about each topic:

Fifty-seven percent of people have experienced loss in the last 3 years. Everyone’s personal grief journey will be different. Some people experience anger while other experience sadness and depression. It’s ok to cope however in your own way and on your own timeline. Check out this short story that shows how one employee struggles and copes with grief:

Alana’s mother was diagnosed with cancer six months ago. Unfortunately, her mom’s condition severely worsened and she was moved into hospice care. This was all very unexpected, and after only a few short weeks, she passed away. Alana’s emotions are up and down all the time.  She knows her mom lived a good life, but she misses her immensely and is struggling to accept life without her. The pain of her loss makes concentrating on work almost impossible. She’s beginning to fall behind on work and miss deadlines. She’s even broken down in meetings in front of colleagues and just can’t seem to hold it together.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Employees are feeling the pressure of an “always connected” work environment, which is leading to stress and burnout. Workplace burnout can affect your ability to perform at your job but can also overflow into your personal life and makes it difficult to fulfill your family or social responsibilities. Check out this short story that shows how burnout is impacting one employee:

Jane hasn’t used any PTO for the past 6 months due to tight deadlines. She often brings work home and stays up late to get things completed. She has been suffering from stomach pains and intense migraines that sometimes cause her to lay in the dark for hours until they subside. Recently a new Senior V.P. role became available and Jane has become focused on obtaining this position, which would significantly boost her career. Executives and stakeholders have made several comments about her amazing dedication to her work and are pushing her to take on responsibility continually. Unfortunately, Jane’s personal relationships are beginning to fall apart, and though she loves her job, there’s a part of her that knows she can’t keep up this pace much longer. She feels physically and mentally exhausted all the time.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Fifty-seven percent of parents struggle with figuring out the most effective way to discipline. Read the story below to hear one employee’s challenge with parenting:

Kim is struggling with her fourteen year old son, who is constantly on his phone. When she tries asking him for help setting the table or taking out the garbage, he acts as if she’s asking for the world. He is apathetic toward being with the family and has become rude and abrupt when speaking with his mom.  Tensions are high, and Kim often blows up, becoming angry at his lack of respect. One evening, Kim picks up her son’s phone and notices an active text thread detailing a discussion between him and a friend about vaping the weekend before. She is so angry and feels that everything she’s taught him over the years has been wasted time. She doesn’t want to lose his trust, but knows it needs to be addressed right away. Should she approach him directly, knowing it will just be a huge fight? Maybe talk to a counselor about how to get through to him in a more effective way?

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Parenting is difficult. It’s common for parents to express anger towards their children when they are feeling the stresses and pressures of raising them. There’s always help to find the best solution for your own family. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Approximately 20% of the US population admits they are under constant stress. Read the following example of how stress can impact work-life balance:

Vahn has just joined his company as a sales representative. He’s been shadowing his colleague Ronald, the past two weeks as part of his training. He notices that Ronald has been skipping lunch because he has client meetings and presentations and is consistently agitated with his clients. During training, the two start early every day and end up running into the late evening to get everything done. Ronald is constantly receiving calls and texts from his wife because of the time spent away from home. Vahn is beginning to worry about the amount of stress this new job could potentially have on his own family. He wonders if he made the wrong decision to take this job. But with a new baby at home, he can’t just quit and start the job search over. It’s a lot to try to handle and he feels very overwhelmed.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you are experiencing high levels of stress, you are placing your entire well-being at risk. Stress can negatively affect your physical, mental, social and emotional health. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

The relapse rate for substance abuse disorders is estimated to be between 40% and 60%, which is similar to chronic disease such as hypertension or asthma. Here is a short story of how an employee got help.

Mark has been in construction for over 15 years. About five years ago, he began to experience severe back pain from overuse injuries at his job. A doctor prescribed him a strong pain reliever, Oxycodone, to which Mark became addicted, taking multiple dosages a day. He felt he just couldn’t manage the pain without it. After several months of repeated tardiness and regular absences from work, he was let go. Thankfully, he learned about and enrolled at an outpatient rehab program and Mark is now employed again.  He is scheduled to have an elective surgery in a few months and his doctor plans to prescribe prescription medication to help with post-surgical pain. Following are a few recommendations for Mark to take as next steps:

  1. Discuss with his doctor his previous addition to pain medication, and is apprehension to the recommended new prescription.
  2. Ask his doctor if there are non-additive prescription pain medication options.
  3. Research holistic natural pain relievers that are non-habit forming.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you are dealing with substance abuse issues, there are resources to help you deal with this medical condition. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. Here’s an example of a suicidal situation to help you recognize the signs and symptoms:

Franklin, age 49, has been under intense stress over the past several months, resulting in an inability to concentrate and meet project deadlines as an IT consultant. Last year, he and his wife separated, and Franklin was forced to move out of the home they shared. His work performance dropped, and he was passed over for a huge promotion he had been working tirelessly to earn. To make things worse, when the divorce was finalized, Franklin’s wife was awarded full custody of the children. Franklin confides in his brother that he feels hopeless, and that the world would be better without him in it.  He has begun to give away significant items and has had his attorney draft a will. Franklin’s brother helped him find counseling from a licensed therapist and encouraged him to make a call to the suicide prevention line prior to making any major changes.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Suicide is 100% preventable but requires assistance from the community, law makers, family and friends to advocate for life. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or actions, please call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or visit 988Lifeline.org.

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. It’s important to recognize the difference between being “okay” on your own, and feeling you don’t belong or have a close connections with other people. Regular social disconnectedness and isolation can have negative health effects over time, including weakening your immune system, weight gain, depression and anxiety. Here’s an example of how loneliness can impact your personal life:

Terrell works a full-time job and is completing academic online courses in the evenings. He has given up his softball league, since he could no longer make it to games during the week. Once the weekend comes, he’s too tired to visit friends and finds himself vegging on the sofa binge watching Netflix for hours. The only real friends he keeps up with are on Facebook – and he never picks up the phone or makes arrangements to see anyone in person anymore. Why would he?  He keeps up with everything going on virtually anyway. Terrell lives most of his life completely socially disconnected and no longer enjoys the companionship of friends and family. He’s gained weight and feels terrible about himself.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Don’t allow yourself to become so disconnected that you aren’t enjoying quality relationships. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

The word anxiety can often produce unsettling thoughts. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in U.S., with 19.1 million of the adult population affected. Being anxious can be normal at times, and anxiety in small amounts can be stimulating for survival. However, constant anxiety can present mental health problems and the inability to deal with everyday life. Symptoms can present themselves in an assortment of ways such as difficulty sleeping, overwhelming fear, shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain, and even numbness in fingers, toes, and face. See the story of one healthcare CEO and his fight with anxiety:

Thomas has battled anxiety for over 20 years. Early in his career, he began experiencing chest tightness and difficulty focusing on all facets of life. His symptoms worsened over time, as he’d never learned proper coping mechanisms or sought professional help. He noticed his work slipping, his productivity lacking, and his work colleagues starting to notice the fidgeting and look of fear on his face when he was experiencing internal struggles. His heart would race and he suffered from recurring headaches. His organization was planning their mental health awareness week, and that encouraged him to utilize the resources they were promoting to employees. Thomas was able to connect with a mental health professional through their EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and then started his care plan to manage his anxiety more effectively.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Through therapies and coping mechanisms, you can live a life without constant worry and negative health effects that come with anxiety. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

“I feel depressed” is a statement that has resonated more than ever. Over 7% of the US population claims they have had at least one depressive episode in the past 12 months. Depression symptoms can appear suddenly, significantly affecting our lives, and those around us. See how Kate’s depressive symptoms accumulated over time and how it influenced her life:

Kate is a 32 year old mom of three. She leads a fast-paced life filled with work and family activities. She began noticing symptoms of depression over 2 years ago when she felt withdrawn from daily life and overwhelming sadness at random moments. She waited and waited to get excited about something, but nothing happened. One of the most apparent moments of depression was at her son’s first birthday party. Instead of excitement and pride, she felt nothing and numb. She seemed totally without joy. When her family noticed her mood and behavior, they shared their concerns, and she recognized the need to get screened for depression. Kate connected with a therapist who coached her through ways to cope with her depression. She is scheduled to see her physician soon for a comprehensive plan.

HELP IS AVAILABLE
Depression is complex. We may not understand a lot of the symptoms, but it’s important to identify and seek professional help. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Anger triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response. While it is normal to experience these emotions in the short-term, failure to control anger can be problematic. Unfortunately, fewer than 13% of people dealing with anger have sought professional assistance. The longer anger issues persist, the more risk there is for long-term effects, such as violence, anxiety, high blood pressure, headaches, and even stroke. Before anger issues worsen, Mayo Clinic recommends these tips to help with short-term relief:

  1. Think before you speak – In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything. Walk away and place some distance between you and the cause of your anger.
  2. Once you’re calm, express your anger – As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non-confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.
  3. Identify possible solutions – Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Remind yourself that anger won’t fix anything and might only make it worse.
  4. Practice relaxation skills – When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as “Take it easy.” You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Remember, you are not your anger. Take the steps necessary to manage your emotions. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known as PTSD, has historically been associated with military combat-related incidents. But PTSD can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or experience. Events that may lead to PTSD include, but are not limited to, violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, combat, and other forms of violence. Sixty percent of men and 50% of women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. Take a minute to read Jared’s experience with PTSD:

Jared was a 36-year old married veteran who returned from Afghanistan, having served as an officer. He went to the VA outpatient mental health clinic complaining of having “a short fuse” and being “easily triggered.” Jared’s symptoms involved:  out-of-control rage when startled, constant thoughts and memories of death-related events, weekly vivid nightmares that caused trouble sleeping, anxiety and a loss of interest in hobbies he once enjoyed with friends. Although all of these symptoms were very distressing, Jared was most worried about his extreme anger. His triggered temper caused road rage, confrontations with strangers who stood too close in checkout lines, and verbal abuse to his wife when she startled him. Jared, with the help of his family, sought help and was diagnosed with PTSD.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

If you have PTSD, it does not mean you are broken or damaged. Going through traumatic events and situations means that you were put to the test and didn’t crumble. Not all wounds are visible, and seeking help will help those wounds heal. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

If you’re stressing over finances, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 72% of Americans felt stressed about money in the past month and 22% experienced extreme stress.  Check out this short story to see how one employee tackled her financial wellness goals:

Adeya’s job at her previous company was dissolved due to budget cuts six months ago. She has been dealing with financial stress since she was forced to deplete her savings account, borrow money from relatives, and ask for extensions on bills. She has recently started a new job, but has been feeling overwhelmed trying to catch up on past due payments and has been unable to sleep because of the stress.  She opted into an employer sponsored financial coaching program and was able to create a budget and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Here are a few tips from the Dave Ramsey Smart Dollar Program to help get your finances under control:

  • Cancel automatic subscriptions and memberships
  • Buy generic/store-brand
  • Cut ties with cable TV
  • Cook more, eat out less
  • Skip the coffee shop

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Putting an action plan in place—such as creating a budget—can bring a sense of relief as you work to regain control of your finances. The WCHO has made the following resources available.

Please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-543-5080 or visit mseap.com. You may also contact First Health at 888-691-7867 or visit FSHealth.com.

For more information on these programs, visit the Well-being page.

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