Giving = Getting

At the Employee Assistance Program, we speak every day to people in need of help.  They may want simple information, our opinions, or clinical intervention regarding one of numerous moderate to severe behavioral health problems.

For the clinicians staffing the EAP, a common outsider’s question about what we do is, “How do you cope with hearing about some many problems and so much unhappiness on a day-to-day basis?”

It is not always easy.  Counselors, no matter how experienced or well trained, are human beings.  We have emotions and limits just like anyone else.  Sometimes, it can be challenging to become aware of so many of the unpleasant aspects of people’s lives.  Our work is especially challenging when it involves trying to assist children and other innocent victims of trauma.  We need to ensure that we take care of our own mental health in order to do our jobs effectively.

There is an aspect of our work with clients that some may overlook when considering our stress as counselors--  it can be exceedingly rewarding to help someone.

As we enter into the holiday season, with all of its accompanying joy and stress, one cannot help but beware of how many in our nation are doing worse than usual this year. 

Try to remember that giving your time, energy, talent, and yes, maybe some of your money, to those individuals and causes in need pays double dividends.  It provides real help to real people with real problems…and you might just be amazed at the feeling you get in return when you help someone make the world just a little bit better place for themselves.

If you would like some suggestions regarding community agencies and other places where you can assist in the gift of giving this holiday season, please do not hesitate to contact the EAP.  You may just end up getting more out of it than anyone.

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