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Work-Life Services provides New York State executive branch employees with comprehensive resources to address their work, home, and life issues.
Work-Life Services Program News
NYS EAP: 3 Myths about Mental Illness
The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) has found that:
- About 25% of U.S. adults have suffered a mental health related issue over the last 12 months.
- Roughly 1 in 17 adults are living with severe mental illness.
With nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. living with a mental illness, you might be surprised to find that there are many myths and stigmas about mental illness that are not true. Let's look at some of these myths and the reality.
Myth #1: Mental illness cannot affect me.
While there is still much to learn about mental illness, we know that there are many factors including biological, environmental, and social or cultural issues. Just because mental illness doesn't run in your family, it doesn't mean you cannot be affected by it.
One of the best things you can do is complete a free mental health screener and talk about the results with your EAP Coordinator. If you or a family member is living with undiagnosed mental illness, your EAP coordinator can help you find resources for treatment. They can also give you information on what treatment involves and can help you prepare to talk your healthcare provider about your mental health concerns.
Myth #2: People with a mental illness cannot get better.
This is another myth that has existed for some time. In reality, most cases of mental illness can be treated with a combination of prescription medication, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and support.
Many people living with mental illness are able to recover and live rich and happy lives. Some are even sharing their stories of recovery. If you or a family member is in recovery from mental illness, your EAP coordinator can help you find resources, such as social support groups, to help with your recovery.
Myth #3: Getting help for a mental health issue is admitting failure.
The truth is that recognizing there is a problem outside of your control takes self-awareness and asking for help takes courage. Your EAP coordinator is here to help you and your family members find resources for support and treatment. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with a mental illness or have taken a screener that indicates you may have a mental health issue, contact your EAP coordinator for assistance.
Video Resource on Retirement Planning
A series of short videos — the Planning Your Successful Retirement Video Guide — highlighting key information from the popular DIRECTIONS: Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars is now available. Designed for executive branch employees, the 22 videos were created in partnership with the Office of the State Comptroller, the Department of Civil Service, the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan, and the Social Security Administration. Employees can view the new videos along with other pre-retirement planning information on this Work-Life Services website and also on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/GOERWebServices.
2012 Flex Spending Account Changes in Status and New Employees
The FSA 2012 open enrollment period ended on November 14, 2011. New state employees hired on or after November 1, 2011 may enroll for the 2012 plan year by submitting a Change in Status application within 60 days of your hire date. Employees who experience a valid change in status on or after November 15, 2011 or during the 2012 plan year, may be eligible to enroll by submitting a Change in Status application. Visit www.flexspend.ny.gov to review the 2012 Change in Status information to determine if your situation qualifies you to enroll during the plan year.
Welcome to the Family Packet
Work-Life Services introduces the "Welcome to the Family Packet". Parenting is an exciting and challenging experience. Today's parents often face unique circumstances balancing their work and family responsibilities. As a New York State Executive Branch employee parent, you are entitled to several negotiated benefits designed to assist you with balancing work and life. The "Welcome to the Family Packet" will outline these benefits programs as well as provide educational child care and parenting brochures. We invite you to request a "Welcome to the Family Packet" if you are expecting or recently added to your family through the birth or adoption of a child. Email your request along with your name and home address to: worklife@goer.ny.gov.
"Parenthood, it's not a job. It's an adventure" – –author unknown
About Work-Life Services
New York State and its public employee unions are committed to increased employee productivity and morale through the improvement of the quality of work and life.
The Work-Life Services website helps state employees with:
Life Planning
— Get the tools to make decisions and develop strategies that deal with turning points in your life, such as retirement, midlife, or parenthood.
Addressing Personal Concerns
— Find the services that can help you get over life's hurdles when necessary, including personalized and confidential assistance.