

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will host a Grief Support Group for employees and family members. The group will be held on Tuesdays at lunch time, noon-1:00, October 20, 2015-December 22, 2015. The EAP has held Grief Support Groups in the past and they have been very well received. If you want to register for the group, or are interested in more information, please call the EAP at 667.214.1555. You may also contact us by emailing Wanda Binns, EAP Manager, at wbinns@psych.umaryland.edu
In the past, the EAP has hosted a Grief Support Group that has been very well received. Thus, we are in the process of forming one which will begin in the next few weeks. The group will be held at lunch time (noon-1:00) in the EAP office conference room at 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 560.
EAP counselors are determined to continually try and meet ever changing needs of the employees on campus. Thus, 2 new groups have been suggested:
Sleep Hygiene (which will include information about how to get better sleep. Better sleep has been connected with better mental and physical health. Come and meet with us to find ways to fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night and awaken refreshed! Zzzzzz…)
Menopause Support (If you are experiencing symptoms related to menopause, please join us for this informative and supportive group!)
If you are interested in being part of the above listed groups, please contact Maureen McCarren at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu to express your interest. You can also call her at 667.214.1560 for more information.
If you have other ideas for groups you would like to see hosted in the EAP, please let us know. We are here to serve you!
The city of Baltimore is experiencing a difficult time. In the aftermath of the funeral of Freddie Gray, violence and the destruction of property occurred in parts of the city. The media has been showing constant coverage of the events. It may feel like it is impossible to escape newscasts and stories and images of the event. Many of you may live in the affected area while others of us are deeply concerned. We are saddened by the death of this young man. Many of us may feel confused, frightened and not quite sure how to respond.
During a time like this, normal reactions include different feelings, thoughts and behaviors:
In situations like this, the number one priority is safety for you and your family. If possible, avoid all areas where the disturbances are taking place. Here are some basic safety tips:
The city of Baltimore is experiencing a difficult time. In the aftermath of the funeral of Freddie Gray, violence and the destruction of property occurred in parts of the city. The media has been showing constant coverage of the events. It may feel like it is impossible to escape newscasts and stories and images of the event. Many of you may live in the affected area while others of us are deeply concerned.
We are saddened by the death of this young man. Many of us may feel confused, frightened and not quite sure how to respond.
During a time like this, normal reactions include different feelings, thoughts and behaviors:
Feelings may include: sadness, anger, anxiety, uncertainty, irritability, vulnerability, helplessness, shock and disbelief.
Thoughts – difficulty focusing, disbelief, overwhelmed, confusion, preoccupation, sense of uneasiness
Behaviors – difficulty sleeping, appetite disturbance (can’t eat or eat too much), absentmindedness, withdrawal, isolation, increased use of substances (alcohol or drugs) restlessness and crying.
What can I do to help my children?
Children are especially frightened when they see what is happening.
Monitor or discourage children from watching media coverage.
Allow them to voice their fears.
Assure them that you will keep them safe.
What can I do to help myself?
Sharing your feelings but limit discussions in which you give your opinion for not everyone may feel the same.
Be a compassionate listener
Identify positive stress relievers – i.e. exercise, prayer, volunteering, etc.
Disconnect or limit media exposure about the disturbance for a time
In situations like this, the number one priority is safety for you and your family. If possible, avoid all areas where the disturbances are taking place. Here are some basic safety tips:
• Stay calm and keep your emotions in check
• Avoid confrontation
• Walk slowly and move away from the crowd as soon as you can
• Move to a safe, enclosed area whenever you are able
• If you live in an area where there is a disturbance, keep away from windows and doors and lock them
• If at all possible, plan an escape from the area
Remember your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to you. Experienced counselors can offer support and structure to help individuals and groups talk about the issues. Feel free to call us at 667.214.1555 to schedule an appointment.
CASH is a non-profit association that helps low income tax filers with their tax returns. CASH stands for “Creating Assets, Savings and Hope.” It was founded in 2001 to help file tax returns and to offer financial advice. Volunteers are located at community centers and churches around Baltimore. Please go to www.bmorefreetaxes.org for more information.
CASH is a non-profit association that helps low income tax filers with their tax returns. CASH stands for “Creating Assets, Savings and Hope.” It was founded in 2001 to help file tax returns and to offer financial advice. Volunteers are located at community centers and churches around Baltimore. Please go to www.bmorefreetaxes.org for more information.
If two employees are having trouble working together, the EAP might be able to help. Both employees can be referred (or refer themselves) to the EAP for Mediation Services. Different counselors would meet one-on-one with each employee. Then, the employees and the counselors will all meet to talk about problems and solutions. Often, these meetings are only needed one time, but can span a period of time to monitor progress and use the meetings as a forum to talk about other issues that might arise. Many times, misunderstandings have been resolved, new relationships have been formed and productivity has risen. Work doesn’t have to be something you dread. It can be a place you look forward to going to and feel accomplished as you and your team work together toward a common goal.
If two employees are having trouble working together, the EAP might be able to help. Both employees can be referred (or refer themselves) to the EAP for Mediation Services. Different counselors would meet one-on-one with each employee. Then, the employees and the counselors will all meet to talk about problems and solutions. Often, these meetings are only needed one time, but can span a period of time to monitor progress and use the meetings as a forum to talk about other issues that might arise. Many times, misunderstandings have been resolved, new relationships have been formed and productivity has risen. Work doesn’t have to be something you dread. It can be a place you look forward to going to and feel accomplished as you and your team work together toward a common goal.
The EAP will be hosting an Anger Management class beginning next week.
It will be taught in a class-like format so you can learn how your background and family experiences taught you about anger. The class will give you ideas of different ways to control and express your anger.
The class will be small, no more than 10 people, and will be non-judgmental. We are all here to learn. The class will be held at noon on Tuesdays.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from anger management, call the EAP now to reserve your spot in the class – 667.214-1561 (Counselor, Sue Walker)
Or email sue at swalker@psych.umaryland.edu
The EAP will be hosting an Anger Management class beginning next week.
It will be taught in a class-like format so you can learn how your background and family experiences taught you about anger. The class will give you ideas of different ways to control and express your anger.
The class will be small, no more than 10 people, and will be non-judgmental. We are all here to learn. The class will be held at noon on Tuesdays.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from anger management, call the EAP now to reserve your spot in the class – 667.214-1561 (Counselor, Sue Walker)
Or email sue at swalker@psych.umaryland.edu