Balance
Emotional Well-Being
Emotional Well-Being
It’s natural—even healthy—to get angry from time to time. However, if you constantly feel angry or irritated, get into arguments that spill out of control and become violent or threatening, it may be time to learn how to manage your anger and channel it constructively. Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can connect you with mental health professionals and anger management courses. Simply go to www.cigna.com or call 877.622.4327 to get started.
Although most people experience anxiety from time to time, those who suffer persistent, uncontrollable anxiety that gets in the way of their work and personal relationships may have a form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders may include generalized anxiety, panic disorder or social anxiety. To receive a correct diagnosis, visit your primary care provider or licensed therapist. Possible treatments may include a combination of one or more of the following:
*If you decide to go on medication, it is important you work closely with your doctor to track any side-effects you may experience. Antidepressants in particular may cause suicidal thoughts. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.
Resilience, commonly defined as the ability to quickly recover from challenges, has been a recurring theme this year. Cigna’s new survey shows that resilience is at risk for 3 in 5 Americans and reveals a significant connection between low resilience, job satisfaction, and overall health.
The Cigna study also found that 63 percent of adults today have moderate to low levels of resilience.* Low resilience can make it more difficult to cope and
bounce back, and can lead to greater stress, anxiety, and other emotional and physical health problems. In the workplace, the consequences of low resilience can have lasting effects in the form of poor performance and lower job satisfaction.
The good news is there is a lot you can do to build and maintain your resilience – including:
Cigna is here to help support you and has launched GROW FORTH: A Cigna Approach to Building Greater Resilience as a free resource to help people
understand and learn more about the various aspects of resilience. Visit CignaResilience.com to take an online questionnaire to assess how resilient you are and learn about tools to build your resilience.
More than just “the blues,” depression is characterized by a persistent sense of sadness, emptiness or worthlessness; a loss of interest in your usual hobbies; fatigue; restlessness; difficulty sleeping and a change in appetite and weight, among other symptoms. It can also leave you at greater risk of suicide, heart disease, substance abuse and even eating disorders. If you feel you may suffer from depression, talk with your doctor or a licensed mental health professional, who may suggest a combination of one or more of the following:
*If you decide to go on medication, it is important you work closely with your doctor to track any side-effects you may experience. Antidepressants in particular may cause suicidal thoughts. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.
If you know someone who is experiencing mental health problems or simply going through a rough patch, it can be hard to know how to help without overstepping your bounds. It all starts with an open conversation—just keep the following in mind:
Finally, gently suggest seeking out professional help—Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a great place to start if you need help finding a licensed mental health professional.
If you keep having trouble falling asleep, wake up often during the night, have trouble going back to sleep and feel irritable during the day, you may suffer from chronic insomnia. Insomnia may be the result of stress, too much caffeine or alcohol or environmental factors such as noise, light or extreme temperatures. Whatever the cause, persistent insomnia can lead to greater anxiety, depression and stress. Talk with your doctor to discuss ways to beat your insomnia and get a good night’s rest.
Ironically, if you feel alone, you’re in good company—nearly 1 in 4 Americans report feeling alone or left out, according to a national Cigna survey of 20,000 adults living in the U.S. Single parents, those living alone and members of Generation Z (adults age 18–22) are particularly vulnerable. If you feel persistently lonely, you may try:
When life takes its toll, taking just five minutes to breathe can help you regain your center—not to mention your sanity. Over time, a consistent meditation practice will help lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and make you feel more balanced overall. If you’re new to meditation, try these basic steps:
Note: If you’re interested in expanding your meditation experience, try meditative yoga or Tai Chi classes; just don’t forget to talk with your doctor first!
Having a strong network means more than just having plans on a Friday—knowing you can rely on your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors can build up your resilience and improve your overall emotional health. To cultivate strong social connections:
Cigna routinely hosts seminars on a variety of mental health issues. To find a topic that interests you and to sign up for future seminars, click here.
Looking for the EAP? Click here!
Contact the Employee Benefits Service Center at 844.327.4343 or champion@hubinternational.com