April 09, 2019
April is National Stress Awareness month, and your employee assistance program (EAP) benefits can help you manage stress levels to stay healthy.
What is Stress Awareness Month?
National Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992. During this annual thirty-day period, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.
We all experience stress—at any age and throughout life. You may be stressed about work, school, kids, money, your relationship, a big change, a setback, a health issue, or something else. The right amount of stress, like a deadline coming up, can be motivating and just what you need to get energized. But too much stress can affect your health and well-being and can cause symptoms such as sleep problems, stomachaches, headaches, irritability, feeling anxious and more.
Taking care of yourself, getting exercise and practicing exercises such as mindfulness and meditation are effectives ways to help manage and keep stress in check.
You don’t have to face these and other issues alone - this is where your EAP benefits come in! They are here to provide support through life’s everyday issues and concerns, no matter how big or how small.
What is EAP?
Ascension offers a confidential EAP at no cost to associates. This program offers a wealth of information, support and online resources, whether you need help managing stress or managing relationships, family support, legal help, getting back on track after loss or trauma, good health habits, financial and retirement help, caring for loved ones, career support and more.
How can they help me?
Caring and empathetic counselors conduct assessments, provide referrals, identify and order resources, develop action plans and follow up. There are also several resources and articles available on the EAP websites and dedicated toll-free numbers to call and speak to a counselor.
How do I find my EAP benefits?
EAP benefits vary by ministry – you can find EAP benefit links in my.ascension.org or by viewing it here.
