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News
“Thanks for having EAP of South Florida available to
support me and my children! The counselors are wonderful and their flexible
hours enabled us to schedule appointments around work."
Guide to Trauma and Critical Incidents:
New!
January, 2006
Employee Quarterly EAP Newsletter
Now Available on EAP of South Florida Website
EAP of South Florida is pleased
to announce that the quarterly employee work/life newsletter,
Healthy Exchange,
is now available on our website. The
Healthy Exchange
Newsletter is provided in both
English and Spanish.
To view the current Newsletter
→
Healthy
Exchange (English)
Healthy
Exchange (Espanol)
October, 2005
Workshop held for the Human
Resource Association of Palm Beach County
Kathleen Chalaire, EAP
Director with Pratt & Whitney, Jay Lee, Ph.D., and Doris Logan, MSW, of EAP of
South Florida were featured speakers at the Thursday, October 20, 2005 human
resources workshop held at the Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL. There
presentation subject was, “HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH FROM EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.” The workshop topics included:
-
COMPREHENSIVE CHECKLIST FOR PURCHASING AN EAP
-
KEYS TO EVALUATING YOUR CURRENT EAP
-
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT REFERRALS
-
WAYS TO INSURE PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
-
MANAGER’S GUIDE TO EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
For additional information
and free copy of manager's guide contact us.
August 2005
Palm Beach County Medical
Society Endorses EAP of South Florida
Tenna Wiles, Executive Director of Palm Beach County Medical
Society, recently announced that Employee Assistance Professionals of South
Florida, Inc. is the endorsed employee assistance program (EAP) provider for the
Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS). Employee Assistance Professionals of
South Florida, Inc. will provide employee assistance programs, critical incident
stress management (CISM) services, and educational seminars to the Society and
its members.
“We are very pleased to offer this valuable new employee benefit to our
membership and are confident these benefits will be helpful in improving the
health and productivity of our members’ employees,” Wiles noted.
The employee assistance program is a confidential counseling program provided
though the PBCMS to assist employee in resolving personal concerns impacting
their job performance. Employees’ personal problems may include: marital,
family, children, alcohol/drugs abuse, stress, emotional, grief, domestic abuse,
divorce, parenting, or financial issues.
July, 2005
Doris Logan and Jay Lee Featured Speakers At “HR Best Practices” Conference
Doris Logan, MSW and Jay
Lee, Ph.D. of EAP of South Florida, Inc. were featured speakers at the “Human
Resources Best Practices” meeting of the Human Resources Association of Palm
Beach County on July 28, 2005. Their presentation titled, “Lessons Learned from
the 2004 Hurricanes” explored how to meet the needs of employees before, during
and after a hurricane or other disaster.
Be EAP Prepared for 2007
Hurricane Season
To help prepare for the upcoming Hurricane season,
EAP of South Florida is offering consulting services to help your organization
develop a customized EAP Disaster Readiness & Response Plan. This action plan
will help your company effectively respond to your employees’ physical, mental,
and psychological needs before, during, and after a hurricane or other critical
incidents.
Remind your employees of EAP services
Review the articles and website resources below
Call us for a free management consultation
Tips for Employees Coping With Critical Incidents
Because you are reading this article, you, or someone you know, probably are in
the process of recovering from a critical incident or some type of traumatic
impact. Perhaps you experienced a flood, hurricane, or earthquake. Or maybe you
have been in a serious accident or the victim of crime. Traumatic experiences
such as these tend to be sudden and overwhelming. In some cases, there are no
outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there is nonetheless a serious
emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic
situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal
responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your
feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.
What happens to people after a disaster or other traumatic event?
Shock and denial are typical responses to disasters and other kinds of trauma,
especially shortly after the event. Both shock and denial are normal protective
reactions.
Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state that
may leave you feeling stunned or dazed.
Denial involves your not acknowledging that something very stressful has
happened, or not experiencing fully the intensity of the event. You may
temporarily feel numb or disconnected from life.
As the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from one person to another. The
following, however, are normal responses to a traumatic event:
Feelings become intense and sometimes are unpredictable. You may become more
irritable than usual, and your mood may change back and forth dramatically. You
might be especially anxious or nervous, or even become depressed.
Thoughts and behavior patterns are affected by the trauma. You might have
repeated and vivid memories of the event. These flashbacks may occur for no
apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heart beat or
sweating. You may find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, or become
more easily confused. Sleep and eating patterns also may be disrupted.
Recurring emotional reactions are common. Anniversaries of the event, such as at
one month or one year, as well as reminders such as aftershocks from earthquakes
or the sounds of sirens, can trigger upsetting memories of the traumatic
experience. These 'triggers' may be accompanied by fears that the stressful
event will be repeated.
Interpersonal relationships often become strained. Greater conflict, such as
more frequent arguments with family members and coworkers, is common. On the
other hand, you might become withdrawn and isolated and avoid your usual
activities.
Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress. For example, headaches,
nausea and chest pain may result and may require medical attention. Pre-existing
medical conditions may worsen due to the stress.
How do people respond differently over time?
It is important for you to realize that there is not one 'standard' pattern of
reaction to the extreme stress of traumatic experiences. Some people respond
immediately, while others have delayed reactions - sometimes months or even
years later. Some have adverse effects for a long period of time, while others
recover rather quickly.
And reactions can change over time. Some who have suffered from trauma are
energized initially by the event to help them with the challenge of coping, only
to later become discouraged or depressed.
A number of factors tend to affect the length of time required for recovery,
including the degree of intensity and loss. Events that last longer and pose a
greater threat, and where loss of life or substantial loss of property is
involved, often take longer to resolve.
Also, a person's general ability to cope with emotionally challenging situations
will affect the outcome. Individuals who have handled other difficult, stressful
circumstances well may find it easier to cope with the trauma.
What about other stressful events preceding the traumatic experience?
Individuals faced with other emotionally challenging situations, such as
serious health problems, family-related difficulties, legal or financial
stresses, or have another mental health condition may have more intense
reactions to the new stressful event and need more time to recover. The more
stress in a person's life, the fewer resources they have to cope with a critical
incident.
How should I help myself and my family?
There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well being
and a sense of control following a disaster or other traumatic experience,
including the following:
Give yourself time to heal. Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in
your life. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be
patient with changes in your emotional state.
Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and
empathize with your situation. But keep in mind that your typical support system
may be weakened if those who are close to you also have experienced or witnessed
the trauma.
Communicate your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you - such as
by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a journal.
If your company or a professional in your community offers Critical Incident
Stress Management services, it is VERY IMPORTANT to attend the group debriefings
and/or utilize the Individual sessions via your EAP. CISM can often prevent long
term consequences of traumatic impact.
Find out about local support groups that often are available such as for those
who have suffered from natural disasters, or for women who are victims of rape.
These can be especially helpful for people with limited personal support
systems.
Try to find groups led by appropriately trained and experienced professionals.
Group discussion can help people realize that other individuals in the same
circumstances often have similar reactions and emotions.
Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive
stress. Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience
ongoing difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through
relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Take time to care for yourself:
emotionally and physically.
Establish or reestablish routines such as eating meals at regular times and
following an exercise program. Take some time off from the demands of daily life
by pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities.
Avoid major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs if possible
because these activities tend to be highly stressful.
Become knowledgeable about what to expect as a result of trauma. Some of the
additional resources on this web site may help you with this learning process.
How do I take care of children's special needs?
The intense anxiety and fear that often follow a disaster or other traumatic
event can be especially troubling for children. Some may regress and demonstrate
younger behaviors such as thumb sucking or bed wetting. Children may be more
prone to nightmares and fear of sleeping alone. Performance in school may
suffer. Other changes in behavior patterns may include throwing tantrums more
frequently, or withdrawing and becoming more solitary.
There are several things parents and others who care for children can do to help
alleviate the emotional consequences of trauma, including the following:
Spend more time with children and let them be more dependent on you during the
months following the trauma - for example, allowing your child to cling to you
more often than usual. Physical affection is very comforting to children who
have experienced trauma. Provide continued assurance that they are protected and
safe.
Provide play experiences to help relieve tension. Younger children in particular
may find it easier to share their ideas and feelings about the event through
non-verbal activities such as drawing.
Encourage older children to speak with you, and with one another, about their
thoughts and feelings. This helps reduce their confusion and anxiety related to
the trauma. Respond to questions in terms they can comprehend. Reassure them
repeatedly that you care about them and that you understand their fears and
concerns.
Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going to bed
to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.
When should I seek professional help?
Some people are able to cope effectively with the emotional and physical
demands brought about by a natural disaster or other traumatic experience by
using their own support systems. It is not unusual, however, to find that
serious problems persist and continue to interfere with daily living. For
example, some may feel overwhelming nervousness or lingering sadness that
adversely affects job performance and interpersonal relationships.
Individuals with prolonged reactions that disrupt their daily functioning for
more than one month should consult with an experienced mental health
professional trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and Post Traumatic
Stress. These professionals work with individuals affected by trauma to help
them find constructive ways of dealing with the traumatic impact and Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder.
With children, continual and aggressive emotional outbursts, serious problems at
school, preoccupation with the traumatic event, continued and extreme
withdrawal, and other signs of intense anxiety or emotional difficulties all
point to the need for professional assistance. A qualified mental health
professional can help such children and their parents understand and deal with
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that result from trauma. Adapted from the
American Psychological Association: Practice Guidelines for Traumatic Stress.
Edited and adapted by Dr. Jay Lee and Doris Logan.
Key CISM website references:
http://www.icisf.org/
http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/Public/CISM/CISMInfo.asp
http://www.ncptsd.org/facts/disasters/fs_faq_disaster.html
To schedule additional assistance for your organization: Contact Us today.
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