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Events

June 25Reclaiming Rest: Sleep Health for Healthcare Workers

Video Recording A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch.

Feb 27 Webinar: Beating the Winter Blues

Mar 14 Webinar: Gambling in the Workplace: Anything but a Safe Bet

Video Recording A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. Gambling in the Workplace: Anything but a Safe Bet Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry FPI EAP Programs. Thursday, March 14, 20242:00–3:00 pm Join us for a better understanding of how problems […]

A Journey Through Her Lens Feb 3, 2024 flyer

Feb 3 Event: A Journey through Her Lens

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.Mu Xi Zeta ChapterBaltimore County, MDPresents “A JOURNEY THROUGH HER LENS” A powerful art-gallery style presentation with photographs & impactful discussion on domestic violence facilitated by Soror Carol Edwards – Alpha Zeta Chapter Saturday, February 3, 2024 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Woodmoor Recreational Activity Center7111 Croyden RoadBaltimore, MD 21207 Participants […]

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Facebook Can Make Users Feel Worse

A University of Michigan study found that time spent on Facebook could decrease a person’s mood. Other studies have found that increased envy can occur while reading other people’s Facebook pages. On the other hand, a study at the University of Wisconsin found that Facebook users could increase their self-esteem. In general, it seems that Facebook use, within which many activities take place, can have different effects on different people. Thus, it is important for users to be aware of their own responses as they use Facebook, monitor their moods and change behavior as needed.

If you think talking with someone would help you, call the EAP at 8-5860 and schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor

Facebook Can Make Users Feel Worse

A University of Michigan study found that time spent on Facebook could decrease a person’s mood.  Other studies have found that increased envy can occur while reading other people’s Facebook pages.  On the other hand, a study at the University of Wisconsin found that Facebook users could increase their self-esteem.  In general, it seems that Facebook use, within which many activities take place, can have different effects on different people.  Thus, it is important for users to be aware of their own responses as they use Facebook, monitor their moods and change behavior as needed.

If you think talking with someone would help you, call the EAP at 8-5860 and schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor

Couples’ Workshop Series

For You and Your Partner

The EAP will be holding a Workshop for couples interested in enhancing their relationships.  The small group will meet for five sessions, Oct0ber 22- November 19, 2013 on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30.  Space is limited.  You can sign up now to reserve your space.  Please call us at 410.328.5860 or by email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.

 

Couples’ Workshop Series

For You and Your Partner

The EAP will be holding a Workshop for couples interested in enhancing their relationships.  The small group will meet for five sessions, Oct0ber 22- November 19, 2013 on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30.  Space is limited.  You can sign up now to reserve your space.  Please call us at 410.328.5860 or by email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.

Having Trouble Relaxing?

This might be the right tool for you!

One of our senior counselors, Cheryl Confer, recently attended a workshop on Coherent Breathing. This is a simple breathing practice that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety and create a relaxed state of mind and body.  It is based on a scientific principle of regulating the body’s autonomic nervous system responsible for our feelings of calm and relaxation.  If you are interested in learning about this practice, you are invited to schedule an appointment with Cheryl at the EAP.

Having Trouble Relaxing?

This might be the right tool for you!

One of our senior counselors, Cheryl Confer, recently attended a workshop on Coherent Breathing. This is a simple breathing practice that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety and create a relaxed state of mind and body.  It is based on a scientific principle of regulating the body’s autonomic nervous system responsible for our feelings of calm and relaxation.  If you are interested in learning about this practice, you are invited to schedule an appointment with Cheryl at the EAP.

Assistance for Care Givers

Regina Curran, who is a Geriatric Care Manager, came to the EAP and presented information to employees about what professionals in her area can do to help families who have an elderly relative or friend for whom they are caring.  She explained that they also help families with young or disabled children who need resources, especially with Mental Health resources.  Sometimes families also need a Home Health Aid. The Care Manger can help a family get connected to one.

All in all, a Care Manger can help you in many arenas. Their website is www.midatlanticgcm.org. On it is stated, “A Geriatric Care Manager specializes in assisting older people and their families with long-term care arrangements. We can help you meet the challenges of long distance care giving, put together a comprehensive plan for present or future needs, provide extra assistance for relocation, or monitor your relative during your vacation.”

A Geriatric Care Manager will meet with the family and do an assessment, which generally takes 2 hours.  Then, they can help the family put resources in place.  However, a Geriatric Care Manager can also just consult with a family and give suggestions or recommendations.  They can help educate families about what programs are available for additional services. They can be helpful to families whose loved one lives in Maryland, but can also help with long distance cases.

An interesting book for Care Givers to read is “The 36-Hour Day.”  One interesting caveat Regina shared is that Care Givers often don’t take care of themselves like they should.  Often, a Care Giver will pass away before the person they are caring for because of neglecting their own health.  So, self-care is important to all. Contact the EAP to find out the myriad of possibilities for people to take care of themselves.  Your loved one will thank you for it!!

Boston Marathon Tragedy

In the days to come, images and stories about the explosions at the Boston Marathon will dominate the media.
Althought trauma affects people differently, you may experience some common reactions. These signs and symptoms may begin immediately or you may feel fine for days or even weeks, then suddenly be hit with a reaction. Although you may feel abnormal, it is very normal for people to experience emotional ‘aftershocks” following a traumatic event. Some common responses are:
Physical Reactions:
Insomnia
Fatigue, hyperactivity or “nervous energy”
Pain in the neck or back
Dizzy spells
Appetite changes
Headaches
Heart palpitations or pains in the chest
Emotional Reactions:
Flashbacks or “reliving” the event
Excessive jumpiness or tendency
Anger
Irritability
Feeling vulnerable
Feelings of anxiety or helplessness
Behavioral Reactions:
Changes in normal activities
Change in speech
Substance abuse
Change in communication
Emotional outbursts
Inability to rest
Tips for Coping After a Traumatic Event:
As you are experiencing various emotions resulting from a traumatic event, below are suggestions that may help:
Physical exercise along with relaxation may help relieve the physical stress.
Talk to people; talking can be healing.
Spend time with others. Resist the tendency to isolate.
Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.
Keep a journal; write your way through sleepless times.
Get plenty of rest and eat regular meals, even if you don’t feel like it.
Seek medical assistance if your physical symptoms concern you.
Follow a familiar routine.
Take one thing at a time.
If you or a loved one is feeling traumatized or vulnerable, remember that the EAP is available to help. To talk with a counselor you can contact the EAP at 410-328-5860.

Boston Marathon Tragedy

In the days to come, images and stories about the explosions at the Boston Marathon will dominate the media.
Althought trauma affects people differently, you may experience some common reactions. These signs and symptoms may begin immediately or you may feel fine for days or even weeks, then suddenly be hit with a reaction. Although you may feel abnormal, it is very normal for people to experience emotional ‘aftershocks” following a traumatic event. Some common responses are:
Physical Reactions:
Insomnia
Fatigue, hyperactivity or “nervous energy”
Pain in the neck or back
Dizzy spells
Appetite changes
Headaches
Heart palpitations or pains in the chest
Emotional Reactions:
Flashbacks or “reliving” the event
Excessive jumpiness or tendency
Anger
Irritability
Feeling vulnerable
Feelings of anxiety or helplessness
Behavioral Reactions:
Changes in normal activities
Change in speech
Substance abuse
Change in communication
Emotional outbursts
Inability to rest
Tips for Coping After a Traumatic Event:
As you are experiencing various emotions resulting from a traumatic event, below are suggestions that may help:
Physical exercise along with relaxation may help relieve the physical stress.
Talk to people; talking can be healing.
Spend time with others. Resist the tendency to isolate.
Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.
Keep a journal; write your way through sleepless times.
Get plenty of rest and eat regular meals, even if you don’t feel like it.
Seek medical assistance if your physical symptoms concern you.
Follow a familiar routine.
Take one thing at a time.
If you or a loved one is feeling traumatized or vulnerable, remember that the EAP is available to help. To talk with a counselor you can contact the EAP at 410-328-5860.

Help for Caregivers

 Caregivers- Information Session
The EAP will host a lunchtime workshop for Caregivers on Friday, April 26 from noon-1:00. Regina Curran, who is a Geriatric Care Manager and also the President of the local chapter of Care Managers will be presenting information to a small group of Caregivers.
A geriatric care manager assists older adults and persons with disabilities reach their maximum functional potential.  The person’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are addressed.Every person’s circumstances are different.  Families can be faced with many alternatives and may not know how to choose the alternative that will be the best fit for that person and that family.  Geriatric care managers can help identify alternatives and provide guidance to help a family as they address the needs of the older adult or the person with disabilities.
Information on geriatric care  management is available at http://www.caremanager.org/ .

The EAP will provide a light lunch for the first 10 people who sign up for the presentation next Friday.  Please email Maureen at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu if you would like to attend.

 

Posted in Seminars
Employee Assistance Program
419 W. Redwood St., Suite 560 Baltimore, MD 21201 667.214.1555 (Fax) 410.328.1132