By Courtney Pohlit, Director of Human Resources
As early as 1949, when May was designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, the U.S. has been trying to raise awareness about mental health and erase the stigma that often accompanies it. Forty-six percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable condition sometime in their life, with anxiety disorders being the most common. Our mental health is an integral part of our identity, intertwined with our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s just as important as our physical health, and it must be treated as such.
Given the demands of work and home life, it’s hardly surprising that many of us experience anxiety or other related issues. For those struggling with mental health issues, it can be isolating, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and support is available to you. Online screening can help identify potential symptoms of mental health conditions and provide valuable resources and tools to help understand and improve mental health. Many conditions are common, and recovery is possible.
Mental Health America offers free online screening tools at screening.mhanational.org
There are many things you can do to help improve your mental health regardless of whether you have a diagnosed condition or not, including:
- Talking openly to supportive loved ones
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Eating nutritious foods
- Cultivating positive self-talk and inner dialogue
- Making time for exercise and activities that promote relaxation
- Seeking the guidance of a therapist or connecting with a support group
Through UnitedHealthcare, our health insurance provider, employees and their immediate household family members are eligible to participate in our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This means that whether you have health insurance through Ruppert, through your spouse or parent, or no health insurance at all, EAP is available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week just for being a Ruppert Landscape employee. This service is of no cost to you for an initial intake and assessment of your needs, with support and referrals to additional resources such as counselors or more extensive programs, if necessary. All participation in the EAP is completely confidential and not shared with Ruppert management.
To access the EAP, visit the website www.liveandworkwell.com or call 877-660-3806.
It’s important to remember that seeking support for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it takes courage to ask for help and work on self-improvement. Take care of yourselves!