Caring for Your Mental Self

September 2024

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. ”  — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Did you know that 1 in 5 people will experience mental health concerns and nearly half of us will meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis at some time in our lives?

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we personally want to continue to remove the stigma concerning mental health. While recognizing the need for help with our physical selves, we are often hesitant or unsure of where to start when it concerns our mental wellbeing. There is often the perception that we should be able to deal with the difficulties that come in life and feelings of shame or failure when we can’t. This is absolutely an untruth. An acorn, given the right conditions, can bloom into a strong oak tree. When that acorn has challenges that interfere with its ability to sprout, something beautiful that could be never gets to grow. Sometimes we need some help replanting ourselves.

We’ve included several printable PDF documents that can be of assistance with terminology, criteria, recognizing when you need help, and a roadmap for help. You can use a screening tool if you think you may be dealing with some aspect of mental health, and this can be a good conversation starter with your physician or loved ones.

Arkansas Hospice also provides you with access to the Employee Assistance Program. This program provides help for employees in a wide range of personal and work-related problems. In some instances, this would also include spouse, children or those living in the household. Available areas of assistance are Financial Concerns, Grief Counseling, Legal Issues, Stress, Substance Abuse, Family/Martial Problems and a host of other areas for which the employee may need professional counseling. Information is protected by state and federal law and the professional standards of confidentiality. To make a confidential appointment with the EAP contact them at 1-800-542-6021 or visit their website https://eap.uams.edu/.

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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