The holiday season is here! Often times this season is a time to rejoice, eat delicious foods, and spend time with loved ones. On the other hand, the holidays can be dark, full of grief, and stressful for many. In fact, according to a ValuePenguin poll1, 55% of Americans experience sadness during the wintertime. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is also a common form of depression people may experience during the winter. It can occur due to the days being shorter and darker in the winter and can go away in the spring when the days are longer with more sunlight.
Because of the often chaotic nature of the holidays, now more than ever is the best time to take advantage of an EAP. But what is an EAP? I had no idea of its existence prior to my time here with MGM and it even took me a while to remember what it stood for. EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program, and it is typically of no cost to the employee since it is employer provided. It is meant to help with any personal or work-related issues you may have to make sure you can be not only the best employee, but the best version of yourself. Great! That sounds lovely, doesn’t it? But what exactly can an EAP do for me?
With all the travel, shopping, and social interaction that comes with the holidays, I find myself incredibly stressed out. This is where my EAP comes in handy. Through the EAP program, I have access to not only helpful stress management tools such as documents and videos, but I also have access to live counselors. These counselors are here to help with stress management regardless of whether it is related to work or personal life. The best part is, it’s at no cost to me. Also, there are therapists available for other issues such as grief and loss as well as overall mental well-being.
With all the gift shopping, travel expenses, and overall financial stress that comes with this season, it can feel like it’s difficult to keep your head above water. Luckily, there is an EAP resource to guide you through this trying time. Similar to the mental health counselors, I have access to live financial counselors that can give me sound financial advice. There are also other document resources such as budget templates that can be useful when planning out your holiday expenses. These resources are available year-round, which is helpful for me to keep my finances on track.
Whether you need help with your mental or financial wellness during this holiday season, your EAP has you covered. Of course, these aren’t the only things the EAP can do for you. You can find out more here, in one of our previous articles highlighting its benefits. Keep in mind that the information in this post may vary, as not all EAPs are the same. An EAP is your company’s way of showing that they genuinely care for your wellness, so it definitely is a benefit to take advantage of year-round.
Black, Lambright Michelle (January 3, 2022). “55% of Americans Struggling With Holiday Loneliness, While Many Aren’t Fully Satisfied With Their Mental Health Insurance Coverage”. ValuePenguin. https://www.valuepenguin.com/holiday-loneliness-survey
