At MINES, we’re dedicated to supporting our community through all mental health challenges every day of the year. This National Suicide Awareness Month, we’d like to talk about the important issue of suicide, offer practical tips on how you can offer support, and provide additional resources.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or considering ending your own life, please reach out for help immediately. Call 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or dial 911 if you’re facing an immediate emergency. Remember, you’re not alone – there are people who care about you and want to help. There is hope, and support is available.

Statistics that show why we still need suicide awareness

Unfortunately, suicide rates in the United States have crept back up to their peak in the past few years. These statistics make it clear why suicide awareness continues to be so important.

• Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died of suicide in 2022.
• Far more people – around 1.6 million – attempted suicide.
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• One person dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
• Over 13 million people think seriously about suicide every year.
• People who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native and non-Hispanic white face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Males are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than females.
• Firearms were used in more than 50% of suicide deaths.
• Older adults (aged 85 and older) are the most likely to die by suicide.
• More than 20% of teens have seriously considered suicide.
• Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for teenagers.

[Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychological Association, Population Reference Bureau]

How everyone can support suicide awareness

If you don’t work in the mental health field, it’s easy to start feeling helpless in the face of America’s suicide crisis. You might feel like there’s nothing you can do to raise awareness and support people facing this – but that’s not true. There are steps that each of us can take to raise suicide awareness and offer support for people who may be affected.

Here are some actions to take for suicide awareness, both at work and beyond.

Talk about it openly

First of all, it’s important to break the taboo of suicide and talk about it openly, just like we talk about other leading causes of death. This doesn’t mean you’re obligated to share the intimate details of your life at work or in other situations, but shying away from the topic only heightens the stigma against it. For example, if a loved one died by suicide, don’t be afraid to say that directly instead of using euphanisms.

Open discussions not only about suicide, but about mental health in general. Creating an environment where mental health is normalized can feel safer for people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Use empathetic language

When you do talk about suicide, it’s important to use the right language. Using empathetic wording can help break the stigma against suicide and help people feel less villainized. An important example is refraining from saying that someone “committed” suicide. The term “committed” has a negative connotation, and makes the person who died seem like a criminal rather than a victim. Instead, use the more neutral phrasing, “died by suicide.”

Learn the signs and causes

An important way to contribute to suicide prevention is to commit to learning. Attend workshops, trainings, and online webinars that teach about the early signs of suicide and how to support someone who’s feeling this way. Experts say that suicide is preventable most of the time, and knowing the signs plays an important role in prevention. Plus, going to these trainings may uncover unconscious biases you may have about suicide and work toward dismantling them.

Spread awareness of resources

There are numerous free and accessible resources available to help those at risk of suicide. You can raise awareness of these resources in various ways, such as sharing them on social media, discussing them openly at work, creating flyers, or even hosting webinars. These actions can help connect people to the support they need when they’re feeling vulnerable. For example, sharing the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 in the U.S.) or information about local mental health services can make a huge difference. The more people are aware of these resources, the more likely they are to use them or share them with someone who might need them.

Another way to spread awareness is by advocating for mental health days or providing employees with resources related to suicide prevention in the workplace. By normalizing conversations around mental health resources, you help reduce the stigma and make it easier for someone to seek help.

Reach out

If you’re ever concerned about a loved one being at risk for suicide, don’t hesitate to reach out. It can feel scary at first, and many people worry that by bringing the topic of suicide up with their loved one, they’ll “put the idea in their head.” This is a myth – if your loved one is thinking about suicide, then approaching the topic with them is more likely to help them feel better than worse.

Reach out to anyone you’re concerned about with empathy and non-judgment. Refrain from using any language that could make them feel guilty about considering suicide. For example, don’t say, “Think about how it would impact your kids. How could you do that to them?” Instead, try saying, “That sounds really painful, and I’m worried about you. We’ll get the help you need together – you’re not alone. I’m here for you.”

Donate and/or volunteer

Lastly, if you’re passionate about this cause, consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support a mental health or suicide awareness organization. Donations help fund critical research, support services, and awareness campaigns, which makes a tangible impact on the fight against suicide. Volunteering, whether through crisis hotlines, community outreach, or local events, can provide hands-on support to those in need.

By contributing your time or resources, you become part of a larger effort to reduce stigma and support those affected by suicide. Even small contributions can lead to meaningful change – whether that’s providing comfort to someone in crisis or helping spread vital information that could save a life.

Important resources

At MINES, we strive to be a valuable resource for employees who may be facing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. Our licensed therapists offer free and confidential counseling 24/7 for our EAP members.

In addition to your EAP, there are numerous other resources available to support individuals who may be considering suicide. You are not alone, and these resources can provide the help you need:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988): Dial 988 for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors, available 24/7 across the U.S.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with someone who can provide immediate help.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text, available 24/7.
• The Trevor Project: A lifeline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit their website for chat support.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans and their loved ones can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, for specialized support.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for information, support, and referrals for those facing mental health challenges.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: For those seeking treatment options, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to access a confidential, free, 24/7 helpline that provides information and referrals to local services.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Visit their website for resources on understanding and preventing suicide, as well as support for those affected by it.

These resources are here to offer support and guidance, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, help is always available, and it’s okay to ask for it.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post National Suicide Awareness Month: Why It Still Matters and Ways to Show Support appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Despite grief being an emotional experience that we all share, awareness of it continues to be lacking. Certain types of grief are stigmatized or taboo to talk about. Other types of grief may be so large and painful that, when we see someone going through it, we feel helpless – we don’t know what to say.

August 30th is Grief Awareness Day. We’d like to take the opportunity to spread important information about grief, including how it affects us, what it can look like, and how to offer support to someone who’s going through it.

What are the different types of grief?

You may not have known that there are many different types of grief, which means that grief can look a multitude of different ways. Many people are familiar with typical grief, but sometimes, grief doesn’t look like you’d expect.

Officially, some experts say there are 3 types of grief (typical, complicated, and anticipatory) while others list 5 (the aforementioned 2, as well as acute grief and disenfranchised grief). Mental health experts also discuss traumatic grief, which is a type of complicated grief.

Here, we’re going over each of these 6 types of grief and how they can show up.

Typical grief

Typical grief, often called “normal” or “common” grief, is what most people think of when they hear the word “grief.” It’s the emotional response that follows a significant loss, usually the death of a loved one. This type of grief is marked by a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief, depending on the circumstances. These feelings might come and go, or they may persist for weeks or months as you adjust to life without the person you’ve lost.

However, it’s important to note that while this type of grief is often labeled “normal,” there’s really no single “normal” way to grieve. Everyone’s experience with grief is unique, and there’s no set timeline for how long it should last or what it should look like. The idea of “normal” grief can be misleading, as it implies that other forms of grief are somehow less valid or expected. In reality, all types of grief are “normal” responses to loss — each person grieves in their own way and at their own pace.

Complicated grief

Complicated grief is when the feelings of grief are intense, long-lasting, and disruptive to your daily life. Unlike typical grief, which tends to diminish (albeit slowly) over time, complicated grief persists and can even get worse. This type of grief can get in the way of your ability to function in everyday activities, which can leave you feeling stuck and unable to move forward.

For example, someone experiencing complicated grief might find themselves unable to return to work or engage in their regular activities months after a loss. They may be consumed by thoughts of the person they lost, struggle with intense longing, or even start to feel like life is meaningless without their loved one. This overwhelming grief often requires professional support to help you process and manage the emotions. That doesn’t mean that complicated grief is “wrong” or a mental illness – just that you might need some extra support.

Anticipatory grief

Anticipatory grief hits you before a loss actually happens, typically when you know that a significant loss is coming, like a terminal illness diagnosis. This type of grief allows you to start processing the impending loss in advance, which can sometimes help with the adjustment afterward. However, it can also be an emotional rollercoaster, because you might experience grief in waves while the person is still alive.

For example, if your partner has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you might begin to grieve the loss of your future together before they even die. You might feel a mix of sadness, fear, and even guilt for grieving while they’re still alive. This type of grief can be very complex to deal with, and it can get difficult to grieve while you’re still providing care for your loved one.

Acute grief

Acute grief is the intense, immediate reaction to a loss, often experienced in the first days and weeks afterward. This type of grief is characterized by shock, disbelief, and a deep emotional pain that can feel overwhelming. Acute grief is a normal part of the grieving process, but it can be incredibly difficult to navigate as you’re suddenly confronted with the reality of your loss.

For example, after receiving the news of a sudden death, you might feel numb or disoriented, or even be in denial about what happened. You could also experience physical symptoms like trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, or fatigue. Acute grief is often the rawest form of grief, but it typically begins to lessen as you start to process your emotions and adapt to your new reality.

Disenfranchised grief

Disenfranchised grief is a type of grief that isn’t openly acknowledged, socially accepted, or publicly mourned. This can happen when the loss is seen as less significant or when societal norms dictate that your grief isn’t valid. It can also happen when you feel like you’re not allowed to express your love or grief openly. As a result, you might feel isolated or unsupported in your grief because others don’t recognize it as legitimate.

An example of disenfranchised grief could be the loss of a pet, a miscarriage, or the end of a relationship that others didn’t see as serious. People who were in relationships that were kept secret can also experience disenfranchised grief. After these losses, people might downplay your grief or tell you to “move on,” which can make it much harder for you to process and heal. This type of grief can be particularly painful because it often leaves you feeling like you have to hide your emotions.

Traumatic grief

Traumatic grief is a type of complicated grief that can happen when the loss is sudden, violent, or unexpected. This type of grief is often accompanied by symptoms of trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The combination of grief and trauma can make this type of grief extremely challenging, and it can sometimes lead to long-term psychological distress.

For example, losing a loved one in a car accident or to a violent crime can lead to traumatic grief. You might find yourself reliving the events surrounding the death or feeling an intense fear that something similar could happen again. The trauma aspect of this grief can complicate the healing process, and you may need professional support to get through it.

How to support someone who is grieving

Most of us aren’t aware of the different ways grief can present. When someone you know has experienced a loss, you might offer your condolences – but how can you truly support them emotionally? And how can you express your empathy when their grief is more complicated or acute?

Here are some tips.

1. Listen without judgment: Sometimes, the best support you can offer is a listening ear. Allow the person to share their feelings and experiences without interrupting or offering solutions. Just being present can be incredibly comforting.
2. Validate their feelings: Acknowledge that their grief is real and significant, no matter what form it takes. This is especially important if they are experiencing disenfranchised grief, where their loss might not be openly recognized or supported by others. Let them know that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.
3. Normalize their experience: Remind them that grief is a natural response to loss and that there’s no “right” way to grieve. Whether they’re feeling angry, numb, or devastated — all of these emotions are valid. Emphasize that everyone’s grieving process is unique.
4. Encourage professional support: Let them know that it’s okay to seek help from a therapist or counselor. Grief can be overwhelming, and professional support can provide tools and strategies to navigate the healing process. Normalize the idea that going to therapy is a healthy way to process grief — we don’t have to go through it alone.
5. Offer practical help: Sometimes, grief can make it hard to manage everyday tasks. Offering to help with meals, errands, or childcare can alleviate some of the burden. This allows them to focus on their emotional well-being without the added stress of daily responsibilities.

Grief is one of the many things that your MINES Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can support you with. Give us a call – our licensed providers offer free and confidential counseling for grief and many other life situations you may be experiencing.

To your wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post Spreading Grief Awareness: What It Can Look Like and How to Offer Support appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Today, we’re spreading awareness about self-harm, including the causes, warning signs, and tips to help a young person you love.

What is self-harm (non-suicidal self-injury)?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves physically. The clinical name for self-harm is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Not every incident of someone hurting themselves falls under the umbrella of NSSI; some people hurt themselves because they are suicidal. Non-suicidal self-injury describes when someone hurts themselves

The most well-known method of non-suicidal self-injury is cutting, or when people make shallow cuts on their skin. But cutting is far from the only method; others harm themselves by:

• Biting skin
• Scratching themselves
• Hitting their head against a wall
• Punching themselves
• Pulling out hair
• Burning themselves with matches or cigarettes
• Poking objects through the skin

Young people – children, adolescents, and young adults – are at the highest risk of self-harm. Research shows that over 25% of teens aged 12 to 16 had thoughts of self-harm, with at least 15% acting on these thoughts. Unfortunately, studies have shown that self-harm rates among youth increase each year, with self-harm rates among girls increasing at an especially alarming rate.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that anyone can self-harm, including boys and older adults.

Why do people self-harm?

Self-harm is highly misunderstood; many people mistake self-harm as a form of suicidal behavior. However, self-harm, at least behaviors that fall within the umbrella of non-suicidal self-injury, is not an attempt to end one’s life.

People self-harm for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To try to feel something when they feel emotionally numb
• To distract from emotional pain by causing physical pain
• To distract their mind from upsetting thoughts or memories
• To release powerful emotions like loneliness, despair, or anger
• To punish themselves for perceived faults, mistakes, or inadequacies
• To regain a sense of control over their life
• To try to cope with a difficult experience like bullying
• Because self-harm has been so normalized among their peers

Some people don’t know why, exactly, they self-harm. This is normal.

Even though self-harm itself isn’t a suicidal behavior, research shows that teens who have self-harmed are over 3 times more likely to attempt suicide in the future than those who have never self-harmed. Young people also often accidentally put themselves in life-threatening situations while self-harming (for example, by cutting themselves deeper than they intended). Self-harm is a sign that someone is in severe emotional distress, and needs to be taken seriously.

Warning signs of self-harm

One of the first steps to helping someone who self-harms is to notice the signs. When you educate yourself on the warning signs of self-harm, you’re more likely to realize when a loved one is engaging in it.

Self-harm doesn’t have a “look,” just like depression or anxiety don’t have looks. People of any gender or age can self-harm, but young people are at higher risk.

Here are some warning signs of self-harm in teens to look out for:

• Scars (cuts, scabs, bruises, or burns), often found in clusters or patterns
• Frequent unexplained wounds or cuts
• Making excuses for wounds or cuts
• Wearing long sleeves and pants, even when it’s hot out
• Traces of blood on clothes or towels
• Suddenly seeking to do their own laundry or take out their own trash
• Hiding razors
• Withdrawing from friends and family

If a young person you love is showing these signs, then it could be that they’re self-harming – and need your support.

How to help a young person who is self-harming move towards self-love

It can be unfathomable and intensely painful to learn that someone you love, especially a teen or a young adult, is hurting themselves intentionally. It’s devastating to realize that they don’t see themselves as you see them, and you wish you could do something to help them love themselves.

Recovery from self-harm can be a long journey. It becomes an addiction in many ways; it brings temporary relief from emotional pain, and even though the person knows that it’s not a long-term solution, it may be difficult to stop.

But just because they can’t quit right away doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to support them. A trusted adult’s support is essential for young people as they learn to love themselves and treat themselves with care.

Here are some ways you can support the young person in your life who is self-harming.

• Approach them first. It can be hard for young people to bring up the conversation. If you suspect they are hurting themselves, don’t beat around the bush. Ask them directly: “I noticed cuts on your arms. Are you hurting yourself?”
• Don’t judge, even if you don’t understand. The last thing a young person needs to hear is, “Why would you do this to yourself?” Statements like this can come from a place of caring but also tend to make young people feel misunderstood and judged.
• Focus on their pain. Acknowledge how much they must be emotionally suffering to hurt themselves in this way. Validate their feelings. Even if something doesn’t feel like a big deal to you, it’s still a big deal to them.
• Make your home safe. If the teen lives with you and is using objects, like razors, to hurt themselves, work with them to limit access to these objects.
• Connect to resources. Talk to your pediatrician to get a referral to a mental health provider. You can also get in touch with your Employee Assistance Program for referrals or counseling.
• Provide unconditional love. Let the teen know that you don’t see them differently and that their self-harm behaviors don’t change your love for them. Make it clear that your concern for them comes from love, not from shame or disgust.

There is hope. With support from a trusted adult, young people can successfully stop self-harming and learn to love themselves.

Self-harm resources for teens and young adults

If you struggle with self-harm, here are some resources that can help.

• To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people who struggle with self-injury, depression, and suicide.
• A.F.E. Alternatives is a treatment program for self-harm that also provides a wealth of information and resources.
• The Trevor Project provides phone, text, and chat support for LGBTQ+ young people facing self-injury and other mental health challenges.
• The Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation provides resources for teens and their caregivers.
• The Crisis Text Line operates 24/7.

If you (or someone else) are having a mental health emergency, dial 988.

MINES & Associates EAP is available to employees as well as their household members. All family members can receive 24/7 confidential counseling support for issues like depression, stress, and more. In addition, we provide 4 parental coaching sessions per year to teach you how to better support your teen or young adult who may be self-harming.

Take advantage of this free resource and get in touch with us today.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post Self-Harm Awareness Month: Here’s How We Can Protect Our Youth appeared first on MINES and Associates.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – except for many people, it’s anything but.

If the holidays bring more stress than cheer for you, you’re not alone. The holidays are a time of year when obligations seem to pile up. You may have family gatherings to attend and shopping to complete. And if you’re working on top of that through the holidays, life could quickly start feeling overwhelming this time of year.

The holidays may not be “stress-free” for anyone. But with these tips, you can make sure you’re protecting your mental well-being while you navigate all the challenges the season throws at you.

Here are 7 tips to cope with holiday stress both at work and at home.

Take a break

Some companies close down for the holidays. But even if your workplace doesn’t, you may want to consider the possibility of taking some time away. Taking a break can be a good way to intentionally slow down during this hectic time of year.

Talk to your supervisor about the possibility of taking some time away. If you work in a setting that’s busier than usual (and impossible to escape) during the holidays – such as in retail – you can still talk to your supervisor about when it might be possible for you to take some time off. Having a vacation to look forward to may help you get through the stress of the season.

There are also smaller, but still impactful, ways to take breaks that don’t require you to go on a lengthy vacation. For example, go out for a nice lunch instead of eating at your desk. Take the long, scenic way home from work. Practice a 5-minute mindfulness meditation.

Maintain boundaries with colleagues and family

Family gatherings are a joyful occasion for some, and a nerve-wracking one for others. The same goes for company parties. These are often times when loved ones and colleagues tend to push your personal boundaries. They might ask you personal questions you aren’t comfortable answering. Or they may expect you to take on more tasks (or attend more events) than you feel like you have the time and energy for.

Practice setting, and maintaining, personal boundaries with both colleagues and family members. Use assertive communication.

For example, you could decline your boss’ request to work overtime by saying something like: “I usually would be happy to support the team in this way. But I had set aside my evening to bake cookies with my daughter; it’s a tradition that’s really important to her. If there’s another way I can support the team, please let me know.”

Keep a routine

A big part of why the holidays are so stressful for so many of us is because our usual routines get disrupted. This has a big impact on important health behaviors like your sleep, eating, and exercise schedules.

It’s normal for these routines to be disrupted during the holidays. But as much as possible, try to keep your regular schedule. Getting 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep every night is especially important. Being sleep-deprived can you feel more stressed, anxious, and depressed than you already are. Physical exercise can also be a very effective tool to combat holiday stress.

The more you can stick to these regular self-care routines, the better.

Let go of perfection

Sometimes, holiday stress accumulates because of the pressure for everything to be perfect. There is so much pressure during the holidays to be “jolly” every minute of every day. A lot of us feel like we need to prepare a perfect holiday feast for our perfect families, just like a scene from a holiday greeting card.

This is far from reality – and this can be disappointing and stressful. This year, let go of the expectation of perfection. Understand that things will go wrong, and that’s okay. Focus on the things about the holiday season that are important to you, whether that’s family, spirituality, or giving back to the community. Allow yourself to let the rest go.

Plan ahead

One of the best ways to tackle holiday stress is to have a solid plan going into it. When you know what to expect, you may feel better prepared for the emotional and financial impact of the holidays.

Examples of helpful planning include:

• Ask for days off in advance
• Set a budget, and stick to it
• Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, gift-wrapping, etc.
• Prioritize work projects and schedule hours for “deep work”

Be careful of alcohol

For many families, alcohol is a big part of holiday gatherings. Many people may also drink more during the holidays to cope with the stress that this season brings.

This is completely understandable. At the same time, alcohol is closely linked to several mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Having a glass of wine after work probably won’t hurt, but excessive drinking may make you feel even more stressed. Be conscious of how much alcohol you’re consuming.

If you think you may have an addiction to alcohol, then professional treatment can help. You can locate substance abuse treatment near you by calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-622-HELP.

Seek support

A counselor or a therapist can be a dependable source of support for you during the holidays. If you aren’t already working with a therapist, reach out to your company’s EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Your human resources department can connect you.

MINES & Associates’ EAP program offers free and confidential counseling that’s available to you 24/7. Whatever you’re going through, we are here to help. In addition, we also offer financial, legal, and parenting support as well as professional wellness coaching. We can help you get through the holidays with your mental health intact.

A very Happy Holidays to you and your family from the MINES team!

The post How to Cope with the Holiday Blues appeared first on MINES and Associates.

We have become more aware of depression, but awareness is only the first step. It’s also critical that we’re regularly screening individuals for depression, just like we do for other health conditions like heart disease or high cholesterol. When we catch depression symptoms early on, we can help people realize there is a health problem and get the treatment they need – often through employee assistance programs.

National Depression Screening Day is celebrated each year in the first week of October. In today’s blog, we’ll help you prepare for this important day by giving you tips and resources on how to conduct depression screenings in your workplace.

Understanding what depression looks like

Most people have a general idea of what a “depressed person” looks like; perhaps you imagine someone who is often sad and cries frequently. But in reality, this is only one presentation of depression. There are many types of depressive disorders, and it’s important to understand how each of them can present.

Common symptoms of depression

Sad or low mood and frequent crying often do come along with depression. Some other common symptoms that you may notice include:

• No longer seem to enjoy things they used to enjoy
• Suddenly being apathetic or indifferent to work
• Appearing lethargic or extremely fatigued, which can even lead them to physically move slower than normal
• Decreased productivity at work
• Eating more or less than usual, which can lead to weight gain or loss
• Mood swings or being irritable; snapping at colleagues over small things
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions; seeming to have a hard time remembering things
• Withdrawing and isolating themselves from others, especially if you’ve known them to be social people
• Increased absenteeism and tardiness
• Frequently complaining of unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
• Being very self-critical or having low self-esteem
• Talking about death and suicide, even if it’s in a “joking” manner

Although not everyone who displays these signs is experiencing depression, it’s important to be aware of the signs so you know what to watch out for. If you notice these signs, consider employee assistance programs to help improve your mental health.

On top of that, there are several different depressive disorders.

Major depressive disorder

This is what we most often refer to when we talk about “clinical depression.” People with major depressive disorder show many of the above symptoms for a period of 2 weeks or more.

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is also called chronic depression, and is diagnosed when someone has symptoms of depression for 2 years or more. They may not seem as acutely depressed, but likely show at least some of the symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder swing between mania/hypomania (an intensely euphoric or “high” mood that can cause impulsive and dangerous behaviors) and depression. People with bipolar disorder may not be immediately identified as having depression because they could be in a manic episode the majority of the time. Other people with bipolar disorder are depressed most of the time and only experience one manic episode in their lives.

Postpartum depression

Colleagues who have recently given birth may show signs of postpartum depression, which is when someone experiences depression symptoms after childbirth. Research shows that people who adopt, as well as non-birthing partners, can also experience postpartum depression.

Because of these variations, depression can present itself in many different ways. Regular depression screening can make sure no one falls through the cracks.

Why is it important to screen for depression?

National Depression Screening Day can be an opportunity to remind employees to self-reflect and check themselves for symptoms of depression. Just like they go to their doctor every year for an annual physical exam, they can complete depression screening tools to ensure that their mood and mental health are sound.

Often when we’re experiencing depression, especially if we’ve experienced it for a long time, we don’t realize that we need help. We may assume that certain feelings or experiences are “just a part of life.” This can prevent us from getting support when we need it.

Here are some other reasons why it’s important to regularly screen for depression:

• Regular screening allows for the early identification of depression symptoms, which enables timely intervention and support (employee assistance programs) for employees who may be struggling.
• Employees benefit from increased awareness of their mental health through routine screenings. This knowledge can empower them to take proactive steps in managing their mental well-being and seeking support when it’s needed.
• Routine screening can minimize the personal and professional consequences of untreated depression, like workplace conflicts, strained relationships, financial stress, or compromised work-life balance.
• When people regularly screen themselves for depression, they’re connected to appropriate resources and assistance.
• Screening initiatives play a crucial role in tailoring and targeting mental health support through employee assistance programs in terms of organizational support.
• A workplace that prioritizes regular depression screening experiences improved employee engagement and retention because they’re creating environments that are characterized by care and support.

Screening tools for depression

Here is a helpful list of screening tools and resources that your employees can use to screen themselves for depression. Make sure that employees know that their results will be confidential. The idea is to help them get access to treatment when they otherwise wouldn’t have.

It’s also important to note that depression screening tests are not a replacement for a professional evaluation and diagnosis. No screening tool can diagnose you with depression, but they can give you a better idea of the signs of depression you or your employees might be experiencing and whether or not they could benefit from professional support.

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
• Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
• EQ-5D
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)
• Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self-Report (QIDS-SR)
• Beck Hopelessness Scale
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

You can get access to most of these tools through the American Psychiatric Association. Mental Health America also offers a quick online depression test that you can take.

Your Employee Assistance Program may also be able to help. If you’re a MINES & Associates client, you and your family have access to free and confidential counseling services at any time, day or night. Our mental health therapists can help you figure out if you might be experiencing depression, and offer guidance and support.

Contact us today and let us know how we can support your organization.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

The post The Face of Depression at Work: Identifying Signs, Encouraging Conversations, and Seeking Help appeared first on MINES and Associates.

The post Suicide Prevention appeared first on MINES and Associates.

I am often called to work with teams who are facing challenges as a result of the impact of the, the current economy, a lack of confidence with the organization’s current leadership or large scale changes in the work environment.   I often hear about the symptoms that clearly indicate there is some level of dysfunction; poor morale, lack of trust, turnover, unresolved conflicts, and unskillful communication. It’s no wonder that our division has been asked to facilitate more workshops on “Emotional Resiliency” than ever before in the firm’s history.

Emotional resiliency is defined as our ability to bounce back from challenges. It’s our ability to view disappointments and setbacks as temporary and situational and to find the means to work through them rather than be defeated or defined by them.

People who exhibit emotional awareness, have the ability to persevere, can demonstrate perspective taking abilities, maintain a sense of humor and optimism and seek support tend to be more emotionally resilient.  Whether you are single and satisfied or single and dissatisfied, emotional resiliency is a life skill that transcends the status of all relationships. It’s a life skill that can enhance our ability to celebrate and embrace what we love about being single and cope with the ups and downs of being single.

Emotional resiliency is a trait you can develop. To learn how you can strenghten your own emotional resiliency, you can read more about it by following this link.  There are a number of workshops that focus on learned optimism and emotional resiliency.  There are course descriptions that highlight the key take away skills.

Marcia Kent, MS
President, BizPsych

The post Emotional Resiliency appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Did you realize that many company EAPs (Employee Assistant Programs) have financial services as a benefit? MINES and Associates offers its’ clients financial assistance as a session. So if you have a robust EAP, you could talk to a financial advisor to review your current budgeting strategy. As noted, fall is a great time to take another look at where you have been and where you want to go. Reviewing all aspects of your family finances with particular emphasis on budgeting will help you map out your plan and then keep with it.

In this challenging economy that we are living in today; it is nice to know that there are “free” ways to get some financial advice. Check with your employee benefits department to see if your EAP provides financial advice. If not, mention to your manager that you would like them to consider using MINES & Associates EAP.

Happy fall!

Allan Benson

The post Budgeting for the 2nd Half of the Year appeared first on MINES and Associates.

Providing our clients with cost-containment mechanisms to counter the effects of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act has been, in their words, “a major relief.”

For some groups this isn’t a big deal.  But if it is for you – ASK ME HOW?

Posted By Ian H.

(303) 953-4083
Sales, MINES and Associates

The post How to Save 25-50% from Previous Years Claims appeared first on MINES and Associates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygOIy7b9mR8

Sean White went back and did the same sequence again so he would not get a fear response. He succeeded the second time and went on to nail the sequence in his first run. That run was good enough for the gold medal.

This is a perfect example of the old cowboy psychology of getting back on your horse after falling off. We need to face our negative cognitions related to performance, learn how to relax and be centered and execute one more time.

Remember: I like you

Bob

Robert A. Mines, Ph.D

CEO & Psychologist

The post Psychology of Performance – 10 Sean White appeared first on MINES and Associates.