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Events

Mar 14 Webinar: Gambling in the Workplace: Anything but a Safe Bet

Video Recording A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. Gambling in the Workplace: Anything but a Safe Bet Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry UMMC EAP Programs. Thursday, March 14, 20242:00–3:00 pm Join us for a better understanding of how problems […]

A Journey Through Her Lens February 3, 2024 flyer

Feb 3 Event: A Journey through Her Lens

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Mu Xi Zeta Chapter Baltimore County, MD Presents “A JOURNEY THROUGH HER LENS” A powerful art-gallery style presentation with photographs & impactful discussion on domestic violence facilitated by Soror Carol Edwards – Alpha Zeta Chapter Saturday, February 3, 2024 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Woodmoor Recreational Activity Center 7111 Croyden […]

Sep 21 Webinar: Making the Most of the Limited PSLF Waiver: How Employees Can Access Student Loan Forgiveness

Video Recording & Presentation Slides A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. You can also view and download the presentation slides. Making the Most of the Limited PSLF Waiver: How Employees Can Access Student Loan Forgiveness Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of […]

July 22 Webinar: Mental Health and Well-Being: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Video Recording A video recording of this webinar is available for you to watch. Mental Health and Well-Being in the Age of COVID: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Implications and Practices Join us for a free webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry UMMC EAP Programs. The webinar includes 1 CEU for Social […]

UMMS EAP

Depression in the News

Friends, family members, even celebrities can all suffer from depression.  It is a common mental health condition that affects nearly 10% of people in the United States.  It is a treatable medical condition, not a personal weakness. If left untreated it can lead to other health problems and if severe enough, even suicide.

Depression can be caused by many different things.  Some people are grieving over the loss of a loved one or a major life change.  Others have physical or other emotional problems contributing to depression.  Side effects of medication can also be to blame.  Depression seems to run in families.  The symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, irritability, feelings of guilt, crying spells, trouble sleeping and/or eating, inability to feel joy, loss of interest in things that used to bring happiness which can include hobbies, family or even sex.

People who do not understand depression think it is a “weakness” that the person just needs to “get over.”  It is not a weakness. Treatment through counseling can be extremely helpful.  Sometimes anti-depressants are also added to the treatment plan.  Generally, the combination of both, talk therapy and medication are the winning combination for many people to help lift them from their depressive states. If someone is suicidal, take that person to the emergency room immediately.  People can also access the EAP to be screened for depression and get connected to the right treatment providers for them. There are many things that can be done to help people who are suffering from depression so they can lead happy, productive lives.

Sleep Apps for Your Phone

If you have trouble turning off your brain when you try to go to sleep at night, perhaps an app on your phone could help you. Helpline.com lists a number of different apps for iPhone and Android phones. Some apps have soothing sounds. Others guide you through a short meditation. Another one can track your sleep cycles and adjust your alarm time so you are awakened during a light phase of your sleep, rather than when you are in a deep sleep. Helpline does not endorse any of the apps, but there are ratings on the website for each app. Prices range from free to $4.99. For some people it helps to talk with a counselor, who is an objective person with, perhaps, a different perspective to help you sort out all those thoughts in your head. The EAP offers short term, free counseling to employees and their family members. For more information call 410.328.5860 to set up an appointment, or email us through this website.

Is a Loved One Gaming Too Much?

Internet Gaming can be Addictive

Do you have a young adult in your family who seems abnormally connected to the computer? Did you know that people can exhibit addictive behaviors to things like gambling, internet gaming, shopping, and even food? These are called Process Addictions. Just like substance abuse addictions (alcohol, drugs) it often starts out innocently enough but then certain people go further and further, “ingesting” more and more of the “substance.”

There is a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine makes a person feel good.  Years of research have determined that drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, eating, and gaming involve changes in dopamine. The person becomes addicted to the “hits” of dopamine they receive through the behavior. They may try and cut back, only to fail and then end up increasing the time on the computer, or in the gaming, or in the drinking. A person with an internet gaming addiction can exhibit withdrawal symptoms similar to those who try and stop using drugs or alcohol.  The person could experience increased anxiety, anger, depression, irritability and social isolation.

“But, at least he’s not drinking!” We often hear that from parents. Many people play games on the computer. So, if you have a “computer person” in your family, how do you know if there is a problem?  Ask yourself these questions:  Does there seem to be a compulsive pattern to the gaming? Does the person have balance in his life? In other words, does the gaming behavior seem to interfere with one or more major spheres of his life: relationships, work, academic performance, health, finances or legal status?

There are people you can talk to about your concerns.  There are many resources on the internet, of course. there is even an On-Line Gamers Anonymous (www.olganon.org). For help with a gambling problem, go to www.baltimoregambler.org.  Of course, you can always make an appointment with an EAP counselor to discuss concerns about yourself or family members. Call 410.328.5860 to schedule an appointment.

Why Do You Worry All the Time?

Wait to Worry is the advice Steven Petrow dispenses in his article in the Washington Post on May 27, 2014.  Mr. Petrow references his father and himself as worriers who thought too much about the “What ifs” of the future. However, Mr. Petrow decided to break his habit of overindulging in worry.  He replaced it with some guided meditation which he practiced for 10 minutes three times a day.  He said after a few weeks of this he was able to regain “a sense of self-mastery, and with it a certain peace.  I grew less afraid of the what-ifs and stopped dwelling on them-and started to enjoy the right-now again.” Mr. Petrow said he adopted the mantra “Wait to Worry.”

It is a well known fact that people who stay focused on the present are happier than those who ruminate about the past, or worry about the future.  Enjoy yourself today!

For help in getting yourself to your happy place, contact the EAP and have one of our counselors assist you.

Do You Want a Promotion?

A study in Canada revealed that employees who used their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) were 73% MORE likely to get a promotion than those who did not use the EAP. The study included 6500 women and over 8300 men. One of the theories as to why this helps employees get promoted is that individuals are able to increase their coping skills so they can better handle the job and life in general. Every little bit helps! Contact us today for new coping skills. 410.328.5860

Recharge Your Battery in 15 minutes

New Year’s Resolution 2012: “I’m going to start taking better care of myself.”
New Year’s Resolution 2013: “I am REALLY going to take better care of myself.”
New Years’ Resolution 2014: “This year for SURE. I promise to take better care of myself.”
Let us help you achieve your promise to yourself. Give us 15 minutes a week. We will help you learn to de-stress, calm down, and be kinder to yourself.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offering a 15-minute instruction on how you can begin to take care of yourself. Every Tuesday in the EAP suite 560, from 12:15-12:30, Bridget Mixon, LGSW, will show you how you can feel better in 15 minutes.
February 4, 2014, a snack will be provided during the 15 minutes of Calm this week
February 11, 2014, a new technique will be introduced.
February 18, 2014, a different de-stressing activity will be taught
February 25, 2014, the final skill of the month will be shown to you.

In March, we will repeat the techniques again, so you can come and participate, fine tune what you already learned, bring your coworkers, or just use the time with us to force yourself to take a breath!

For more information, please call the EAP at 8-5860, or email Maureen at mmccarre@psych.umaryland.edu.

Good Mood Foods

In the January 14, 2014 Washington Post, author Maya Dangerfield writes about food that can boost your mood. She states, “Researchers have studied the association between foods and the brain and identified 10 nutrients that can combat depression and boost mood: calcium, chromium, folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and zinc. Her article goes on to identify which foods you should eat to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need to boost serotonin and other neurotransmitters the body relies on to help maintain a positive outlook on life. Consult with your doctor or nutritionist for more information for your body. Also, feel free to make an appointment in the EAP for help with talking through some of the issues in your life that are weighing you down.

Grief Support Group, February 2014

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has held a few different Grief Support Groups in the past. All have been very well received.  So, we are planning on starting another one.  It will begin on February 10, 2014 and last through April 14, 2014. Group will meet weekly, during lunchtime, noon-1:00p.m. in the EAP suite.  Space is limited, so call or mail us to register for the group as soon as you can.  Also, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Wanda Binns, EAP Manager, will be facilitating the group.  You can reach her at 410.328.5860, or email at wbinns@psych.umaryland.edu.

Grief Support Group, Jan 13, 2014

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has held a few different Grief Support Groups in the past. All have been very well received.  So, we are planning on starting another one.  It will begin on January 13, 2014 and last through March 24, 2014. (Group will not meet on January 20, 2014 due to the MLK holiday.) There will be weekly meetings, during lunchtime, noon-1:00p.m. in the EAP suite.  Space is limited, so call or mail us to register for the group as soon as you can.  Also, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Wanda Binns, EAP Manager, will be facilitating the group.  You can reach her at 410.328.5860, or email at wbinns@psych.umaryland.edu.

Grief Support Group

Support Group Forming

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has held a few different Grief Support Groups in the past. All have been very well received.  So, we are planning on starting another one.  It will begin on January 13, 2014 and last through March 24, 2014. (Group will not meet on January 20, 2014 due to the MLK holiday.) There will be weekly meetings, during lunchtime, noon-1:00p.m. in the EAP suite.  Space is limited, so call or mail us to register for the group as soon as you can.  Also, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Wanda Binns, EAP Manager, will be facilitating the group.  You can reach her at 410.328.5860, or email at wbinns@psych.umaryland.edu.