CONCERN: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM A Benefit for Employees and Families

2 CONCERN: EAP Services Work/Life Benefits –Parenting and Childcare Resources –Eldercare Services –Financial Counseling –Legal Consultations –Pet Care Referrals Short Term Counseling 1-5 visits per issue per 12- month period Free Confidential – 24/7 800 number answered “live”

3 Getting Started Call for an appointment 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday In crisis situations, call 24/7 for immediate telephone support For more information –Ask your HR/Benefits Department – –Call CONCERN at (800)

Resiliency during Tough Economic Times

Objectives What is Stress? Define Resiliency Economic Stress Talking about finances How to boost your resiliency 5

Types of Stress Eustress (positive stress) Distress (negative stress) –Acute Stress –Chronic Stress 6

Stress Reactions Fight, Flight or Freeze Negative effects on mental well-being, physical health and hormonal system Cortisol (stress hormone) can create both physical and emotional reactions 7

Resilience The key is not to try to avoid stress altogether, but to manage the stress It involves maintaining flexibility and balance in your life: –Monitoring your emotions –Taking action and resting –Gaining support and nurturing yourself –Relying on other and yourself 8

Impact on Health Reality: increased anxiety, depression, grief, or hardship can be damaging Take good care of yourself, both physically and psychologically Remember: the flight attendant instructs you to put on your oxygen mask first! 9

Financial Stress 66% of Americans identify the economy as a significant source of stress in their lives 75% are stressed by money Housing costs are a major cause of financial stress 48% report that job stability is a significant concern 10

Managing Economic Stress Pause but don’t panic Identify your financial stressors and make a plan Recognize how you deal with stress related to money Turn these challenging times into opportunities for real growth and change Ask for professional support 11

12 Establish a Spending Plan Write it down –Use your actual current income –Identify a list of debts vs expenses –Trim flexible expenses then reduce fixed expenses Planning ahead –Start to save – pay yourself first –Start/continue an emergency fund –Consider other way to increase your income

Couples talking about Finances Keep your cool Soften your “start up” Don’t be a mind reader Think, then speak Repair before exiting 13

De-stress through simplifying Get into action De-clutter your environment Donate all unused belongings Organize all your financial and important papers 14

Strategies for Building Resilience Make Connections Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable Accept that change is a part of life Move toward your goals and take decisive action Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook Take care of yourself 15