May Helping Hands: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness

May Helping Hands: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness

May 10, 2022 | EAP, Front Page, Helping Hands, Page Five, Page Four, Perusals, Row 2, Uncategorized

May Helping Hands: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness

EAP Peer Volunteers:

Stigma about mental health has become a very hot topic. This month we address what stigma is and some things you can do to address stigma. The Mayo Clinic has some good information that is included. 

As EAP peer volunteers we can have an impact on mental health and the stigma that is often associated with a mental health issue. Being accepting and inclusive of people experiencing a mental health issue can help others see that mental health issues are treatable and are often short term. Many of the longer term mental health issues can be managed very effectively. Let’s be the people who help others along the way and treat each other with acceptance and patience!
 

     Thank you for being there for others. Zit is important work you are doing!  

Bryan,

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)

Recent Articles

February Helping Hands: Healthy Relationships

February Helping Hands: Healthy Relationships

Feb 1, 2022 | EAP, Front Page, Helping Hands, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

February Helping Hands: Healthy Relationships

EAP Directors:

 

Healthy relationships don’t look the same for everyone since people have different needs. Each partner’s specific needs around communication, affection, space, shared hobbies, values, and so on may change throughout life. A relationship that works in your 20s may be nothing like the relationship you want in your 50’s. Relationships that don’t align with more traditional definitions of a relationship can still be healthy.

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)

December Helping Hands: Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

December Helping Hands: Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

Jan 13, 2022 | EAP, Helping Hands

December Helping Hands: Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

EAP Peer Volunteers:

 
     With the holidays approaching this month the focus is on navigating the holiday season successfully. There are ten steps for a successful holiday season, each step focusing on different aspects of the holidays. There is a section on dealing with Holiday stress, which may be significant this year due to the emergence of yet enough covid strain. 
 
     Just as we were emerging from the restrictions of the Delta variant, and people were beginning to relax, the own omicron variant has been detected around the world. The emergence of a new variant causes significant anxiety which can transform into depression. The progression of anxiety to depression can be very subtle. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. 
 
     Through all of this, please be aware of taking care of yourselves Practice mindfulness (being aware of your thoughts and feelings), do things that a relaxing for you and create down time to regenerate your energy. All of you are very good at being of service to others, please be aware of your needs through this holiday season and take care of yourself so you have the energy to respond to those around you. 
 

     Thank you for your service to others. It does make a difference! 

Bryan,

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)
Download EAP Newsletter (Spanish)

January Helping Hands: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Apps

January Helping Hands: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Apps

Jan 13, 2022 | EAP, Front Page, Helping Hands, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Perusals, Row 2

January Helping Hands: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Apps

EAP Directors:

 
     This month’s Helping Hands focuses on Mental Health and Substance Abuse apps. There are over 10,000 apps in the field. Discerning which app fits your situation can be a daunting task, there are some suggestions about how to navigate finding the best app for the situation. 
 
     There is a list of the best apps on page 2. There are a wide variety of apps to fit many situations. Please feel free to share the lists with your co-workers when they are in search of some support. 
 
     2022 is beginning in a way ha makes me think it will be difficult. Omicron has caused great uncertainty and is contributing to the anxiety that is already at record levels. The apps in this issue can help address the issues and help us get through this next phase. 
 

     Thankfully, all of you are there to support each other and to get through the next few weeks. All of your EAP leadership is in place to support you as this plays out. Please contact us and let us be there for you. 

Bryan,

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
 

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)

November Helping Hands: Managing COVID Depression

November Helping Hands: Managing COVID Depression

Nov 10, 2021 | EAP, Force Front page, Front Page, Helping Hands, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Perusals, Row 2

November Helping Hands: Managing COVID Depression

EAP Peer Volunteers:

 
      This month we address Covid depression. There are 5 ways to help with depression during this difficult time- all good on there own, and very effective when done together. Covid fatigue is a very real consequence of what all of us are experiencing. The fatigue results in depression. If it isn’t recognized it can be debilitating. Anxiety and depression are rising. Other indicators are beginning to show we have unrecognized illness – for example, liver disease and the need for liver transplants has risen significantly in just the last three months. This may be an indicator that people have been drinking more in the isolation of Covid than we realized. Drinking is a leading cause of depression.
 

     As always, thank you for taking such good care of your co-workers. The holidays are coming up and it appears people will be able to celebrate together after two years of being apart. Let’s hope for the best!   

Bryan,

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
 

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)

Helping Hands October: Recovery

Helping Hands October: Recovery

Oct 4, 2021 | Front Page, Helping Hands, Page Four, Page Two, Row 2

Helping Hands October: Recovery

IAM Peer Volunteers:

   

For October, we address “Recovery”. Recovery is an important concept for anyone experiencing an issue with substance abuse AND/OR  mental health. Mental health issues are increasing due to isolation caused by covid and are primarily increasing anxiety and  depression. Additionally, the divide our society is experiencing in a number of areas is driving much of the anxiety, as many issues become emotional in nature. Issues around vaccination are the most prominent driver of anxiety currently. 
     The October Helping Hands addresses what recovery is, what services are available and the elements of a recovery plan. Recovery is a continuing process. 
     As always, thank you for the good care you are giving to your co-workers. It is important for them to have someone they know will be confidential and that they can trust to go to when they are experiencing difficulty 

Bryan,

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.

Bryan Hutchinson, M.S.
EAP Director
bhutchinson@iam141.org
Cell: 303-229-5117

IAM141 EAP Page
Download EAP Newsletter (PDF)
Download EAP Newsletter (Word)