You notice in one of your colleagues signs of depression or excessive drinking. One of your subordinates is irritable and shows obsessive behaviors, another one confides to have suicidal thoughts; or you notice some of these symptoms in yourself? We are likely talking about psychological distress at work, and help is needed! Read this article to find out more.
Personalized help for psychological distress at work
The phenomenon of psychological distress at work and mental illness, especially since COVID19, has reached proportions of unsustainable severity. We are talking about a parallel pandemic in the general adult population(1). Those with relevant expertise, like us, must come forward. That is why we are making available a personalized assistance program that we have been perfecting for more than 10 years with insurers. This is a proven approach based on mental health best engagement practices. Here is the program:
Help and support in case of psychological distress at work
Most of the services currently available are provided through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). According to some, the EAP is struggling to provide adequate services in a reasonable time. Its level of use would have faded in recent years(2).
For the past year, we have received several requests to intervene in a business. When we intervene, drug solutions, the psychotherapist or any other type of therapist are rarely part of the clinical picture. No diagnosis, either. On the other hand, there are systematic indications of deteriorating mental health. Here is a non-exhaustive list of signs found in several pathological tables:
Irritability;
Sleep disorder;
Depressed state;
Suicidal intentions;
Anxiety;
Panic;
Dark thoughts;
Despair, discouragement, confusion, disorganization;
Exhaustion;
Difficult concentration (cognitive impairment);
Loss, weight gain;
Isolation;
Etc.
People feel powerless. They have taboos about therapy. Many prefer to remain silent about their ills and think they cause less harm, but they hope in their hearts to get rid of their psychological suffering. They need guidance, tools, tips, and advice to regain their energy and willingness to act. We want to help them and avoid a more serious mental disorder such as burn-out, mood disorder or anxiety disorder. Sometimes problems like depressive disorder can lead to suicide! Mental health is no small matter!
How does it work?
Based on a report from the manager or employee, the mental health coach steps in to assess what is wrong.
The coach takes time to listen, letting the person express what they are experiencing, what they are feeling, and how they perceive their overall state. Creating a caring alliance is part of the starting imperative.
Sharing their experiences in a climate of non-judgment and acceptance allows for healing work to start right from the first meeting.
We pay a detailed attention to the difficulties of personal and professional functioning and the vulnerability of the individual. Some findings raise a person’s awareness of the triggers of their illness and the behavioral disorder that tugs at them every day.
In all cases, we create a partnership with the person, we propose an action plan with mutually agreed objectives. At this stage, there is already a sense of relief, people suspect that the proposed framework will bear fruit. Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel, many will say! It is up to us to remind them that they are no longer alone!
Next, we develop an action plan to meet the needs of the participants. This includes, depending on the situation:
Reclaiming a new lifestyle or work habits;
Considering medication and psychotherapy where appropriate;
Identifying positive behaviours, attitudes and thoughts;
Learning how to organize time to reduce stress;
Discussing interpersonal relationships between the individual and their superior, promoting recognition;
Slowing down the pace of work for some time;
Having activities for yourself and recharge;
Nurturing interpersonal relationships and managing conflict;
Balancing personal and professional life;
Etc.
We set up meetings on a weekly basis or as needed to measure the progress of the process.
Often, discussions with the employer are necessary to consider changes to organizational factors that affect the psychological balance of their teams.
Regardless of their problems, suffering individuals feel supported and can count on their coach’s help throughout the plan. In some cases, a treating physician and psychotherapist may be part of the process. This results in a multidisciplinary framework, valuable collaboration and synergies, and increased coherence in interventions. Thus, loneliness dissolves, hope resumes, and concrete results are not long in coming. If you or a colleague are in pain, do not wait until you are depressed. You must take a first step and ask for help. There is hope.
Who are we?
Réadaptation l'Escalier has been working with disability insurers for more than 10 years. Our proven approach with major insurers now allows us to contribute to the scourge of psychological distress in the workplace. We offer businesses the services of our multidisciplinary team of mental health support relationship specialists. Today we want to share the benefits of a well-established approach with people who suffer in silence at work.
Who pays for the services?
Excessive cost of professional services, confidentiality and stigma are often barriers to seeking help. Fortunately, many employers are willing to offer effective services. They also agree to discuss psychosocial risks. These are employers who are increasingly involved in mental health and their numbers are growing. To help them, we have designed an affordable service offering of innovative services to combat psychological distress in the workplace. For more details.
Amélie (the head coach)
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