Your EAP is available 24/7 for confidential assistance, crisis, and community support. Employees and their household members can call your company’s designated EAP toll-free number for support on this topic or something else. Call 1.877.622.4327 for support today!
A Healthier Howard - May 2023
"Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” ~ Wayne Dyer
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental illnesses are diseases or conditions that affect how you think, feel, act, or relate to other people or to your surroundings. They are very common. Many people have had one or know someone who has. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Research shows that mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year and estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment.
Monitoring Your Mental Health
Have you had any of these experiences recently?
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Moodiness and Impatience
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Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
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Some trouble sleeping
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Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others
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Problems focusing and thinking clearly
If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:
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Exercising (e.g., walking, biking, weight lifting, yoga)
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Socialize (virtual or in person)
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Getting 7-8 hours of sleep on a regular schedule
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Eating healthy
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Talking to a trusted friend or family member
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Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness
Have any of these feelings persisted longer than two weeks?
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Difficulty sleeping
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Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
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Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
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Difficulty concentrating
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Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
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Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
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Thoughts of death or self-harm
Health Coach Chinwe can confidentially help you find your best fit for support resources!
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Coaching for stress management/ stress management programs with Onsite Health Coach
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THREE FREE Confidential sessions with a licensed therapist of your choosing through CIGNA EAP
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Virtual Telehealth with MDLIVE
Coping with Grief and Loss
Grief is a normal and healthy reaction that occurs when you lose someone or something important. Although it is possible to delay or postpone grieving, it is not possible to avoid grieving altogether. As you go through this process, there are many things you can do to help yourself by taking care of your physical needs as well as your emotional and spiritual needs.
Physical Recovery
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid junk food.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco products.
- Get daily exercise and try to go to bed at your usual time every night. Follow up with your physician.
Emotional & Spiritual Recovery
- Resume your friendships when you feel ready. Reading can help you find comfort, and writing in a journal can be therapeutic.
- Discuss your loss with a trusted community member, friend or, clergy if you need spiritual guidance.
- Although you may feel angry at God, your religious beliefs can help you through it.
- Big decisions should wait until 18-24 months after your loss, if possible.
- Consider joining a support group or seeking counseling.
- Wait until you are fully ready to put your loved one's things away.
- Don't suppress your emotions - talk to your family and friends. Being open and communicating with your loved ones will benefit everyone.
