We know that the Corona crisis is having a major impact on our physical health. But it’s also having a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. The number of people suffering from depression has risen sharply since lockdown measures were introduced. People miss their social network, or their opportunities for normal interaction. Families are also having a hard time, resulting in a greater number of conflicts and breakups.
You might have heard of Maslow's pyramid? Whilst this pyramid no longer fully satisfies the norms of a modern digital age like ours, and its scientific basis is disputed, its broad outlines certainly still apply. Fulfilling our basic needs, such as food and shelter, has a positive effect on the way we view life. Fulfilling our ‘higher level needs’, such as social support, respect and autonomy, is strongly correlated with the ability to enjoy life and experience positive emotions. And it’s precisely this that the Corona crisis is undermining...
Indeed, the corona crisis and the measures to contain it, strongly influence our sense of social and economic security. We no longer feel safe, have little or no social contact… and some of us have experienced genuine social isolation.
Moreover, we will always have a need for social contact and interaction. Which is why we’re also preoccupied with the future. What will that interaction be like once the pandemic is over? Will things go back to how they once were? Or will there be a ‘new normal’? And when will that day come? There are so many questions and uncertainties on top of the existing mental stress.
Living in social isolation, juggling home schooling with full-time home working, mourning the loss of loved ones with limited opportunities for saying goodbye, striving for a work-life balance, but also the fear of having to go to work and expose yourself to risk as a result, the financial worries caused by temporary unemployment due to mandatory economic measures... these are all challenges that we’ve faced and continue to face. We’ve also seen these issues cropping up more than usual within the EAP. And the situation also appears to have been a catalyst for an increase in relationship problems, domestic violence, divorce and depression. This, too, is reflected in our EAP files.
Yet, for some, the measures are also an opportunity for respite… not having to commute to work every day and consequently eliminating the stress caused by traffic jams and time constraints. Suddenly gaining a few extra hours each day. Perhaps you were already run down and on the verge of a burnout, and the measures gave you an opportunity to recharge your batteries? Highly sensitive persons, for example, appear to welcome the reduced social pressure imposed on them. And many are delighted with the breather that we’ve given Mother Nature during the massive lockdown. Last but not least, it also seems to have boosted our creativity.
How can the EAP assist in all this?
As always, the EAP remains available to all employees who could use a helping hand.
Due to the Corona measures, EAP guidance is offered in various forms: via the telephone, online or face-to-face, although we’re still trying to avoid the latter as much as possible in order to eliminate any unnecessary risks.
We noticed that, whilst some employees were initially hesitant about switching to telephone or online coaching, they’re now extremely satisfied with the results.
I’d postponed the coaching sessions with my therapist for quite some time due to corona. It was only once I started having online sessions that I realised just how important these conversations were. The fact that they were conducted online actually made little difference.
We also experimented with walk and talk coaching, which enables us to respect the necessary distance. We certainly plan to continue using these methods, given the excellent results that we’ve achieved with them. Postponing your coaching sessions or questions is therefore completely unnecessary; there are many equally effective alternatives to the classic face-to-face model.
Our online platform, HappyCare, could also provide you with the necessary support in confronting issues around social interaction, discovering your own values and achieving peace of mind in these challenging times, without having to make contact or visit a psychologist. Of course, you can also choose to pursue the program with the help of an EAP counsellor. The choice is entirely up to you. So, please don’t hesitate to contact us about taking that first step!
HappyCare is an online self-help program that promotes resilience. This online tool is based on the principles of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and health psychology.
Research suggests you can influence your happiness by 40% by adjusting your own behaviour and thought patterns. Which means that you can work on your mental resilience, even in times of Corona.
The program provides answers to the major life problems that you may currently be struggling with: positive thinking, getting a grip on your life, improving your health and lifestyle, investing in social relationships despite the measures, paying sufficient attention to yourself, worrying less about the future and life’s uncertainties etc.
You can regard the platform as an online self-help course that helps you to boost your mental fitness. The various topics feature exercises, testimonials, videos, advice and information for increasing or maintaining your resilience.
Want to know more?
Would you like support in changing your situation, behaviour, perception and/or thoughts? Then consider the EAP. Feel free to contact us with any questions. Visit the ‘helpdesk’ page at www.eap-online.eu and discover how to get in touch.
The “Test and tools” page provides access to HappyCare.
And don’t forget to consult the comprehensive library: a plethora of articles on wellbeing-related themes that can be consulted for a wealth of tips and tricks.