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Problems. . . solutions. . . results

Laura was shocked when the police called one night and said her son had been arrested with three other boys for drinking and vandalism. It was just the beginning of a nightmare of angry fights, legal troubles, and a growing sense of helplessness as Laura's peaceful household became a battleground. “I couldn't sleep, I'd get to work late, and when I was there I was emotional and preoccupied. It was obvious to everyone that my mind was not focused on my job.”

Laura's supervisor suggested she call the company's EAP. “It was a lifesaver,” says Laura. “They connected us with skilled professionals who worked with us as a family, and after a lot of resistance, our son began seeing a counselor who specializes in problems of adolescents. He's making remarkable progress.”

Often it takes a crisis such as Laura's for people to fully understand the impact of personal problems in the workplace. Conflict among family members, a drinking or drug problem, the stress of caring for an ill spouse or aging parent, or anxieties about money or excessive debt are issues that are nearly impossible to leave at the door each day when you report for work.

“It's a rare individual who can perform optimally on the job when they feel they've lost control over the rest of their lives,” says Cheryl Lipscomb, director of Family and Employee Services, Aurora's Employee Assistance Program. “That's why having an EAP to turn to is so critical. It indicates to the employees that the company is committed to their total health and well-being. And making that call for help is tremendously empowering for the employee. It's an important first step in regaining control and making a proactive move to change the situation that's causing you stress.”

What happens when you call . . . 

Help begins as soon as you call your EAP. “People who use the EAP want answers . . . help in adjusting to a change, getting over a loss or coping with a problem so they can return to living their lives to the fullest,” says Cheryl Lipscomb. “We help them achieve those goals, quickly, effectively, and confidentially.”

• Quickly . . . An intake specialist will arrange a prompt consultation (within two working days) with a professional assessment counselor trained to listen, ask the right questions, identify your needs and offer solutions.
• Effectively . . . Everyone's situation is unique. We focus on finding what works for you, whether counseling, referral to other community resources or one of our specialized services such as Elder Care or Child Care Resource and Referral, Money Management Consultation, or Legal Consultation.
• Confidentially . . . The EAP takes special care to protect the privacy of everyone who participates in the program. Services are completely confidential, and no identifying information is shared with anyone, not even the employer, without written permission of the employee.

Help with a range of problems . . . 

Typical problems people bring to the EAP include:

• Marriage and parenting problems
• Childhood difficulties, at school, at home or with peers
• Adult stresses such as poor self-esteem, depression, relationship problems, or job-related issues
• Financial or legal problems
• Alcohol or drug abuse or other addictive behaviors such as gambling, whether yours or a family member's
• Coping with the impact of divorce, on couples and on children
• Child care or elder care concerns

Services are provided at a number of locations to ensure that help is always convenient and accessible. After-hours, telephone lines are staffed by experienced professional counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When should you call your EAP?

Does the problem occupy a lot of your time? Does it interfere with your normal activities at work or at home? Have symptoms persisted for more than two weeks? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it's time to get help.

Other symptoms may include:

• Excessive worry and anxiety
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Restlessness, inability to concentrate
• Panic or fear with no cause
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Sleep problems
• Inability to feel pleasure or enjoyment

Don't ignore the warning signs that something is wrong. Problems are easier to resolve if caught early, before they become crises.

All of us face problems at some time in our lives. When it's a problem that won't go away and is causing you stress, you owe it to yourself, your family and your employer to seek help. It's as easy as making a phone call.

Call your EAP at (414) 257-2124 or 1-800-236-3231.

 

Special services for today's families The workforce is changing, facing new problems and demands that affect both home and work life. Your EAP offers specialized services to address the needs of the growing number of families caring for elderly parents, seeking reliable child care, or facing legal or financial difficulties. Elder Care and Child Care Resource and Referral links employees to the most appropriate, reliable resources and saves time, money and effort. Support is also available to help caregivers adapt to changing roles and cope with the emotional demands of caregiving. Legal Consultation provides a free telephone session with an experienced, licensed attorney for employees who need sound legal information and advice. Financial Consultation helps employees with money or debt problems regain financial stability with guidance from a certified credit counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling Service.