Got Health! - Employee Crisis Support

EUSD has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can help you with free counseling, financial planning, and legal assistance (among other things). Assistance is available 24 hours/ day.

Website: liveandworkwell.com

Access code: VEBA

OR Call 1-888-625-4809

Mental Health Services Through The VEBA Resource Center

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the VEBA Resource Center is here to support your mental well-being with services and resources you may need.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Step 1: This service depends on your employer and selected health benefit plan. Please contact VEBA Advocacy at 888-276-0250 or advocacy@mcgregorinc.com to find out if you are eligible for EAP benefits.

Step 2: Contact Optum EAP at 888-625-4809 to obtain an authorization code.

Once you have received your authorization code, you can use it in 3 ways:

#1: You can see a provider through the Optum EAP program. Visit liveandworkwell.com

#2: San Diego residents can schedule group therapy and personalized therapy telehealth sessions through Psych Centers at San Diego. Call PCSD at 619-528-4600 ext. 7878 to schedule your appointment.

#3: You can utilize the Talkspace App. Talkspace is available when you need it – no appointment necessary. Connect virtually with a licensed, in-network provider, including unlimited text messaging as well as real-time audio/video appointments. Visit talkspace.com/connect

VEBA Resource Center (VRC) Resources

#1: The VRC has compiled a list of mental health & crisis resources on our Community Resources Page. This page is up year-round for you to utilize whenever you may need it.

#2: The VRC also has many articles providing different tips and ways to help improve your mental health. There are many topics to choose from, from reducing anxiety and stress to learning mindfulness and self-care strategies. Browse our mental health blogs here.

#3: Free well-being classes are available at VRC. We have classes like restorative yoga for stress management, energy healing, midday mindfulness, and sound healing. Sign up for an upcoming class on our calendar.

A Message From Your Wellness Committee

Did you know that almost half of all adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime? That means that you, or someone in your family will likely face a mental health challenge. Because of continued stigma around mental health, many suffer in silence. They might feel ashamed to talk about mental health with you and you might not know how to respond.

Here is how you can help:

1. Start the conversation.

Try to talk to your family member at a time when you will not be rushed in a quiet, comfortable space. If you are not sure how to start the conversation or what to say, the best thing you can do is be honest and ask if they’re okay. Let them know that you care about them and their safety and that you are concerned.

Your family member might not want to talk right away, and that is okay. Do not pressure them to discuss their mental health. Instead, remind them that you will be there to support them whenever they are ready.

2.) Listen in a non-judgmental way.

If/ When they are willing, continue the conversation and do your best to listen to their concerns and needs in a nonjudgmental way. Provide emotional support and offer information on self-help strategies and professional help. But most importantly, be there for your loved one. This is a difficult conversation to have, and it might be the first time they are acknowledging their mental health challenges. Show them love, compassion, and patience.

If you would like more information, check out this 4-minute video of how to respond when someone tells you They're Not Okay. It could save someone's life.

Here are some additional resources.

5 Tips for Non-Judgmental Listening

Talking to Your Family About Mental Health

Why Healthy Friendships Are Important for Mental Health