May is Mental Health Month

Last month, we encouraged anyone reading to stop and take stock of their physical and mental well-being.   Now we are asking you to self-examine again today, as you read this.  Are you noticing regular tension in your chest? Are you having difficulty focusing on important tasks at work or at home day to day? Are you struggling with sleep or eating?  Do you find your thoughts are pessimistic, or that you are regularly feeling bad about yourself?  If you feel your mental health is suffering, or if you are supporting a loved one who is undergoing a mental health struggle, we encourage you to build knowledge and a support network to help address your concerns, as well as shore up and reinforce your strengths.  

Listed below is a list of educational resources and support networks to explore:

• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America can be an excellent place to learn about different major mental health disorders and how to seek treatment.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month by providing education, and opportunities for outreach and advocacy..
• The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers this broad database of resources for those seeking assistance managing their mental health and more.
• The state of Massachusetts website offers this guide and resource list of City and state mental health resources.  
• Listed here are several Boston area mental health and social services for further local support
• The National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides free, 24/7 phone support to any person in distress, as well as prevention and crisis hotlines for friends and family. The number is 1-800-273-8255.
• Right Direction, an initiative to spread awareness of depression and how it shows in the workplace, offers these resources on their website.
• City employees have free access to the Boston Navigate Wellness Portal, which includes healthy recipes, seminars, health challenges (with prizes) and more.We encourage employees to also check Burnalong, which offers free online seminars, physical and mental health classes, and more for city employees.
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers online support groups for individuals coping with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and more. They also offer groups for friends and families of people struggling with these mental health issues. It's free to register, anonymous and confidential, and online groups can be attended without webcam.
• Care Dimensions is a hospice organization that also hosts numerous support groups for those struggling with grief and loss. Check out their event calendar for topics, dates and times.  

If you are looking for long term therapy, you can work either through your insurance provider’s list, or use the following online resources to search for a therapist in your area.

• Psychology Today Boston Therapists List
• The Black Mental Health Alliance
• Zencare LGBT Therapists in Boston Area
• Black Psychiatrist of America Inc.
• InnoPsych

As always, employees, their families  and retirees, may always reach out to the EAP for free confidential counseling and long term mental health referrals.  We also encourage you to browse our resource list.  From all of us, have a good month.