Now, more than ever, we need to know how to ask for help when we need it and then we need to GET the help we need when need it!
Do you know about EAP? It's the Employee Assistance Program (you can call 24/7). There is no charge, it's included in your benefits. 2 people on our team volunteered to try it out so they could report back - they both got appointments same day! (1 chose video, 1 chose phone). The brochure below explains how it works.
One of your teammates took some notes on the process (if you're like me, you might want to know exactly how it works? what they're going to ask you? that kind of thing?). Here are their notes:
- when you call the number (1-844-722-3327), you choose your language and then press 2 (if it's your first time and it's not urgent)
- once you've got someone on the line, they ask you for your name, date of birth, employer, the year you started working for that employer, your phone number, email address, home address, the reason for wanting to see a counsellor, any safety concerns (harm to self or others, alcohol or drug abuse) and your preference for the counsellor's gender.
- then they book a phone appointment and tell you to expect a call at the appointed time. the length of the appointments are 50-60 minutes.
- i didn't have to give any information about my PBC account. maybe they already have that in their system and can access it when you give them your name and employer.
Thank you for continuing to take care of yourselves. Together we are supporting the people who need us the most right now.
