Click to CallThe EAP is tweeting! Find us @ummseap.
We have tweeted helpful information such as “Tips to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep” and “How to Dress for Work.” Join us!
Events
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 […]
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 […]
Sep 21 Webinar: Making the Most of the Limited PSLF Waiver: How Employees Can Access Student Loan Forgiveness
Video Recording & Presentation Slides A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. You can also view and download the presentation slides. Making the Most of the Limited PSLF Waiver: How Employees Can Access Student Loan Forgiveness Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of […]
July 22 Webinar: Mental Health and Well-Being: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Video Recording A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. Mental Health and Well-Being in the Age of COVID: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Implications and Practices Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry FPI EAP Programs. The webinar includes 1 CEU for Social […]
The EAP is Back!
As of April 11, 2016, the EAP will be back in the offices at 419 West Redwood Street. We want to thank the Health and Human Services library staff for all they did to accommodate us during this past month. We also appreciate the other employees on campus for understanding and assisting us when necessary.
Most of all, thank you to our clients for being so flexible. We are glad to be back where we belong and look forward to getting back to our usual routines. Please call to make an appointment or email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.
EAP Temporary Offices
Due to the fire in 419 West Redwood a couple of weeks ago, the EAP has been temporarily relocated to the Health and Human Services Library at the corner of Greene and Lombard Streets. Please call our main EAP phone at 667.214.1555 to schedule an appointment. You can also email us at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.
Thank you for your understanding.
The EAP has moved! (temporarily)
Due to circumstances beyond our control (a fire in our building at 419 West Redwood Street), the EAP will be temporarily operating in the Health Services Library at 601 West Lombard Street on the 2nd floor. We do have access to emails, but we do not have access to our phones. We have an EAP after-hours phone that we invite you to call us on at any time: 410.241.1488.
If you already have an appointment scheduled with us, your counselor will be calling you from her cell phone to confirm your appointment. If you have any questions, please call the number listed above, or email Maureen McCarren at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu
Professional Building temporarily closed
The professional building was closed today. Maintenance is working on fixing the problem. Friday’s appointments were all canceled. We apologize if your counselor was not able to notify you. The counselors are unable to access their computers/calendars/contact information for clients. We hope this is all rectified soon. Next week, the EAP may be located in another building on campus. Please stay tuned for updates.
Grief Support Group, 2015
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
Support and Educational Groups for Fall
New Groups Forming for Fall
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!
Stressful Times in Baltimore
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
- 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
- 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
Stressful times in Baltimore
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.
Non-profit Helps with Filing Tax Returns
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.