Mental health stigma can make it difficult for those who experience mental health or substance use challenges to share their whole selves with the world—instead, many will mask their issues for fear of judgement. With this in mind, we’ve compiled some helpful resources and reminders on how Arcora’s employee assistance program (EAP) counselling supports can help you or a loved one build resilience and find self-assurance to face life’s challenges—whether they include substance use concerns, mental health issues or anything in between.
Offer Encouragement and Understanding
When it comes to addressing mental health, including addiction or dependency concerns, sticking to the ‘golden rule’ is a wonderful approach: treat others how you would want to be treated. This means leading with encouragement and understanding—even if you may not fully comprehend someone’s experience or perspective. Compassion and empathy bring a sense of comfort to an otherwise difficult conversation, and the simple act of showing you care can be a huge confidence booster to someone experiencing personal struggles.
Make Things Bearable
We’ve all faced anxiety at some point or another, and while it’s an important biological response to danger, it can also easily disrupt our lives with unnecessary worry and unhelpful thoughts. With so many forms and varying degrees of severity, everyone’s experience with anxiety differs—thankfully, there are plenty of tactics and supports available to help you calm that inner bear. This includes CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy. It’s a common, evidence-based treatment that has proven to be incredibly effective in managing anxiety, and is one of the many therapeutic approaches available through Arcora’s EAP counselling supports.
And remember what we said about encouragement and understanding? It applies to you too! Anxiety isn’t easy to overcome, so don’t get down on yourself. Be patient as you discover what works for you.
Find Support that Fits
We all play a part in creating environments where no one feels the need to hide or be ashamed of mental health struggles. However, even people with the most supportive of support systems—including friends, family, colleagues and community—might need something more, and that’s okay! Counsellors offer objective, confidential guidance to help you through current challenges, as well as self-assurance and resilience-building tools you can use to face future problems.
At Arcora, we work hard to find the most suitable counsellor match for our clients. Whether it’s you or a family member seeking support, know that you’ll always be treated with compassion and respect. We prioritize client comfort and confidentiality, so you don’t have to worry about what to share—it’s entirely up to you. Whether you’re just starting to peek from behind that mental health mask or ready to ditch it entirely, we can help. Reach out today to start your counselling journey.
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