EAP, Help at Your Fingertips

What a year it has been! How are you feeling, Branch 36 family? Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted or all of the above? At times, I feel all of that and then some. How we deal with the stress and the steps we take to help us is what I would like to talk to you about in this article. The Employee Assistance Program is a great way to work through whatever emotions we are experiencing.
Let’s face it, this year has been overwhelming. Some of us needed to adapt to the constant back and forth of in person and remote learning with our children, while others needed to care for adults with disabilities or ailing loved ones. This year has not been easy on anyone. Just when there was a slim hope of finally getting back on track, we got hit with the Coronavirus on steroids, aka the Delta variant. That alone is enough to send the happiest person spiraling in a downward motion. Please let’s not talk about the possibility of a lockdown again.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help. EAP is not just for Postal Service employees. It can be used to assist family members as well. There have been so many improvements to the program over the last few years. The goal is for every employee and their family members to have easy access to those benefits. You can now text, email, video chat or call with any issues that you may be experiencing, and please note, EAP is 100% confidential. Whatever you talk about will always stay between you and the counselor. If they feel they can’t help you, they will refer you to the best help for your unique situation.
Getting help or talking about your issues is nothing to be ashamed of. We all have experienced moments when we feel things just aren’t going right. Talking to someone is the best way to alleviate some stress. Just stating the problem out loud and listening to the viewpoint of an impartial person can often make the situation tolerable. If you ever feel like you need to speak to someone, don’t let it fester, please reach out. Your shop stewards have been given posters and signs to hang around the stations to remind you that you are never alone. Help is only one phone call away! Call, 1-800-EAP-4-YOU (1800-327-4968) or visit www. EAP4YOU.com. As always, stay safe brothers and sisters!