A Healthy Outlook
Newsletter from your MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Summer 2024
In This Issue
Preparing for Summer
Tips for Summer Social Connection
Responding to Change
EAP News
In Case You Missed It: Caregiver Support and Financial Wellness Webinars
Summer Resources
June Digital Bulletin Board Now Available
Upcoming Events
Ask the EAP
Preparing for Summer
Preparing for summer and the end of the school year often goes hand in hand. June 13, 2024 is the last day of school for students and the summer solstice is on June 20, 2024. As this school year comes to a close and we prepare to transition to summer, consider prioritizing time to reflect on how this school year was for you. What small or big wins did you celebrate? What lessons did you learn? What do you want to do differently next year? Regardless of your position, summer can be an important time to prioritize your mental health and well-being.
Tips for Summer Social Connection
No matter your age, everyone can experience loneliness from time to time. Human beings are social creatures and whether you consider yourself more extroverted or introverted, everyone benefits from supportive, trusting, and healthy relationships.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines social connection as “the degree to which people have and perceive a desired number, quality, and diversity of relationships that create a sense of belonging, and being cared for, valued, and supported.”
It's not the number of friends a person has that is important, but rather your personal feeling of connection that you experience from the social relationships in your life. Do you feel connected to others? Do you feel like you belong? It’s also important to have a variety of social relationships. Your connection with a neighbor, coworker, mail person or delivery person, biological or chosen family members, and close friends will all look different.
Connecting to others feels good! And the research supports this. Social connection can lead to a longer life, better health outcomes, a stronger immune system, reduced stress, better sleep, and more. Social connection can also contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of communities.
Making New Social Connections
Begin by completing a hobby inventory. Set a five-minute timer and write down everything you can think of that interests you or brings you joy. You might consider the activities you enjoyed as a child, what you did the last few times you remember having fun, or activities that are already a part of your life. Once you've completed this, consider these ideas to find opportunities to connect with others who share your interests:
Search for a local group that's dedicated to one of your hobbies, such as a gardening club, book club, running club, or knitting club.
Sign up for a class based on a hobby you're interested in. You can search for classes and events online, at the local public library, community college, community center, or faith-based organization.
Did you know that permanent MCPS employees have free access to all Montgomery County recreation facilities, including swimming pools and gymnasiums? Visit this link to learn more about this initiative.
Volunteering is another way to build connections and give back to the community. Consider searching for local volunteer opportunities related to your interests.
If you can't find a local group or class related to one of your interests or hobbies, consider searching for a virtual one or starting your own and spreading the word.
You might experience a range of emotions throughout this process and as you begin something new, acknowledge how you feel and what you need in order to take good care of yourself. Remember to introduce yourself to others, share something about yourself, ask curious questions, and be open to having fun and getting to know others.
Nurturing Healthy Relationships
For both new and existing social relationships, it's important to know what to look for in a healthy relationship and how to prioritize supportive connections. Check out this one-page resource sheet from the National Institute of Health to learn more about building healthy relationships.
Responding to Change
The end of a school year marks a time of change. As you pack up classrooms, finish current bus routes, say goodbye or see you later to current students and colleagues, and other end-of-the-year preparations, remember to be gentle with yourself about the end of the 2023–2024 school year. Change can often involve a sense of loss as you leave what was and prepare for what will be. Give yourself permission to experience your range of reactions to the end of the 2023–2024 school year. Next school year will look different than this school year, as this school year looked different than last school year, and as each school year offers different challenges and celebrations. How you approach any upcoming changes for next school year may depend on how much control or influence you have over the change, how much time you have to prepare or adapt, and your previous experience with endings and change. Transitions take time and it's important to give yourself the time needed to adjust.
Tips for Responding to Change
Increase your knowledge about the change process and recognize typical reactions, such as:
Denial or Shock: shutting down emotionally, uneasiness, fear of the unknown, anger, concern there aren't enough resources to manage the change, thinking "This can't be happening or this can't be happening to me."
In Limbo: Chaos, feeling unfocused, indecisive, uncertain, wondering "What's going to happen or what's going to happen to me?"
New Beginnings: Being curious about what will be and accepting that change is an inevitable part of life, rechanneling energy, skill building, feeling more focused, curious, committed, balanced, or excited, thinking "I can cope with this and learn from this."
Prioritize time to take good care of yourself:
Focus on aspects of your life that are going well and that you can control.
Engage in safe activities that bring joy.
Drink plenty of water, eat nourishing foods, move your body, and get restful sleep.
Consider mindfulness, gentle stretching, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
Connect with others you trust who can support you during this transition.
Practice self-kindness. Know you are not alone in experiencing change, and that you have successfully coped with change in the past. Practice speaking kindly to yourself and consider how you would speak to a loved one.
Know your limits and set boundaries. Communicate your needs, listen to others, and ask clarifying questions.
Be patient with yourself and with others. Coming to terms with change may be easier for some and more challenging for others. Go at your own pace and be gentle with those who take longer to adjust.
Consider possibilities in a new light, and experiment with reframing this change as an opportunity for something new.
Monitor yourself for significant changes in energy or activity levels, sleeping or eating habits, irritability, alcohol or other drug use, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of excessive worry or sadness. And know when to seek help. The EAP offers no-cost, confidential information, support, short-term counseling, and referrals to community mental health providers and resources. Call the EAP at 240-740-6500 (Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). If you need support after-hours, visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/eap/after-hours-support.
EAP News
In Case You Missed It: Caregiver Support and Financial Wellness Webinars
The EAP offered more than fifteen caregiver support and financial wellness webinars this school year with community partners such as the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation for Financial Education (F3E), the Social Security Administration, CaringMatters, and the Federal Trade Commission. We are grateful to our partners for providing these educational webinars at no-cost to the MCPS community. Complete this Google Form to request recording(s) of caregiver support webinars and complete this Google Form to request the recording(s) of financial wellness webinars.
Upcoming Events
The EAP is excited to share upcoming events available to MCPS employees.
July 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.: Maximizing Your Financial Plan with the Foundation for Financial Education (F3E). View the flyer and RSVP.
July 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.: Summer Well-Being. Register on PDO Course #92592 for Support Staff Professionals (SPT10).
July 24, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.: Summer Well-Being. Register on PDO Course #92606. Open to all MCPS employees.
July 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.: 10 Steps to Financial Freedom with F3E. Register on PDO Course #92593 for Support Staff Professionals (SPT10).
August 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.: Recognizing and Responding to Stress. Register on PDO Course #91821 for Support Staff Professionals (SPT10).
August 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.: Managing Your Time, Maximizing Your Potential. Register on PDO Course #90816 for Support Staff Professionals (SPT10).
August 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.: Financial Transitions with F3E. View the flyer and RSVP.
You may also visit the EAP website and scroll down to Upcoming Events to view the calendar.
Ask the EAP
Q: I want to see a therapist in the community and don't know where to start, can the EAP help?
A: Yes, the EAP can help. We can help provide you with referrals to therapists and other mental health providers in the community, including those who accept your insurance and specialize in treatment areas relevant to you. Our EAP Specialists are mental health providers themselves, and can answer questions about the referral process. Even if a provider is available right away, know that it takes time to build a relationship with a new therapist and it may take time to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. You can call our office at 240-740-6500 to request help with referrals.
The EAP is available Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. year-round. The EAP office is closed on MCPS holidays, systemwide closures, and when offices are closed during emergency closures of schools (code red). Many national and community resources are available that provide 24/7/365 support services. Visit our website to learn more about after-hours resources for MCPS employees.
Important note: Information in A Healthy Outlook is for general information purposes only, for adults, and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health professional.
For further questions or help with specific problems or personal concerns, please contact the EAP. Call 240-740-6500 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).