When to Talk to Your Human Resources Department About Your Mental Health
How do we destigmatize mental wellness and self-care in the workplace? This is a hot topic in the Human Resources world today. For a long time, mental health was not prioritized in the workplace. In fact, it can often be ignored or go unrecognized. Workplaces across the nation are pushing to reform mental health care and improve employee’s overall well-being.
Work Related Stress & Wellbeing, and When to Speak Up
Work related stress can trickle into home life, relationships, and overall well-being. Vice versa, stress at home, relationships, personal matters, etc. can affect your job performance. If you feel like any of these resonate with your current situation, I encourage you to reach out and speak to your Human Resources department!
HR departments exist for a multitude of reasons. One reason that many people may not realize or feel comfortable enough to explore, is employee wellness support.
This support can come in many shapes and forms. HR can offer resources for mental health support, physical well-being, family support, etc.
Speaking up and making others aware that you’re struggling can feel daunting. Bringing up heavy emotions, feelings, and concerns takes a lot of courage. But once you do, you may be surprised by the results. HR can help you figure out a plan and get you the help you need. They want to see you succeed and perform at your best!
How to Speak with Human Resources About Mental Health
When you prepare to reach out, think through the resources or support that would be helpful to you, whether it’s access to mental health care, a certain accommodation, or something simpler. Consider what your goals are for sharing. You only need to share what you’re comfortable with.
When you’ve decided to share your experience, set up a time to talk one on one in private. Be clear about the impact that your mental health challenges are causing you at work. It’s important to remember that long-term solutions won’t happen overnight. It will take some time to collaborate and come up with the next step. You more than likely will feel a lot better by getting your concerns off your chest and knowing you’re headed in the right direction.
About Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs)
Many companies offer EAPs to all employees. An employer-sponsored employee assistance plan (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to identify and assist employees in resolving personal problems that may be adversely affecting their performance at work, such as marital, financial, or emotional problems; family issues; or substance or alcohol misuse. EAPs may also offer a wide array of services covering basic legal assistance and referrals, wellness programs, and more.
EAP services are often available not only to employees but also to employees' immediate family members or to anyone living in employees' homes. Employers have a vested interest in the ability of employees to work at or close to their full potential. EAPs are valuable resources that can help employees cope with issues affecting their ability to reach that potential.
EAP programs can help connect you with Counselors and Therapists. There are so many licensed mental health providers who are ready to help you in your mental health journey. HR can work with you to find resources and providers. Specifically, ones that accept your insurance! Yes, that’s right, many insurance plans cover portions of mental health services.
HR professionals are in a unique position to help employees in so many ways. Addressing mental health with your employer can have positive outcomes and can enable them to support you! No one should have to suffer in silence. Have courage to take the first step!
Workplace Wellness Programs
LifeSpring Counseling Services offers Workplace Wellness Services that include educational workshops, experiential workshops, and retreats. If you believe that your workplace could benefit from these services, you can 1. share this information with your supervisor or company CEO, or 2. if you are the person in charge, just fill out this form.
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Interested in Online Counseling for Stress, Worry, Anxiety, and Depression in Maryland?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Online counseling for symptoms of depression & anxiety aren’t the only services offered at our Maryland office
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Sarah Mosberg, Administrative Assistant
Sarah is currently working towards a degree in Human Resources, and she has come to experience first-hand just how important this topic of communication is. Her schooling, previous work experience, and her current role have given her great insight on how to connect mental wellness and Human Resources.
Photo Credit: Sora Shimazaki on Pexels
Date of Download: 6/24/2022
