You Matter: Resources Available to You
We want you to know that you are not alone, especially during the holidays. We are ALL dealing with something. As the new and oft-repeated phrase says: "It is OK to not be OK." (Check out this new app: notOK app.)
We want you to hear: You are important and needed in this world. You matter.
When you feel overwhelmed or full of despair – we want you take a moment to breathe and think about the people in your life that you can call and talk with. Maybe a name doesn’t come immediately to mind and that’s okay. There is still someone who wants to hear from you and wants you here.
“Be brave enough to ask for help when you need it. There is no merit badge for doing hard things alone.” – Maggie Smith
We have resources in place that are just a phone call away, which you can access to help others who may be struggling.
Resources for You:
- Uprise Health (Employee Assistance Program) – free access to speak to a counselor or therapist immediately.
- Call Uprise Health at 800-395-1616, and dial options for “crisis” and “emergency call."
- You can also visit Uprise Health online at: www.uprisehealth.com/members Access code: COOK
- More details are provided here.
- Call Uprise Health at 800-395-1616, and dial options for “crisis” and “emergency call."
- Cook Children’s Spiritual Care – talk to someone who works at Cook Children’s
- Kristin Burrow, Chaplain of Well-Being: Kristin.burrow@cookchildrens.org
- Call, page or Vocera for a hospital chaplain 24/7
- To contact a chaplain during business hours, call 682-885-4030.
- After 5 p.m., call the operator to page a chaplain.
- Raising Joy Podcast: Raising Joy is a Cook Children's podcast dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts.
Tips on Taking Time and Supporting Each Other
Let’s all show ourselves and each other a little more grace during the holiday season. A few more tips include:
- When you are away from work, we hope that you will take some time to rest and recharge. We all need regular breaks and a chance to disconnect.
- Take a moment to visit with and listen to those around you. If you see someone hurting who just doesn’t seem like themselves, encourage them to seek help from family, a trusted friend, a member of the clergy or a mental health professional. Data supports asking that direct question vs. "Are you OK?”
- Remember your boundaries. Health care workers are caregivers and naturally want to help, but you are not responsible for taking care of everyone. You can't carry everyone's burdens.
- Be kind and compassionate. You never know when someone may be going through a difficult time.