The holiday season can be a joyful time, and it can also be a source of stress for many people. Balanced You and King County’s Making Life Easier program offer the following recommendations so you can enjoy the season to the fullest. Take time out Pay attention to your own needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take time for... Continue Reading →
How to use telehealth for mental health
As we move into the winter months of this pandemic, many people are experiencing increased isolation and stress, which can contribute to deteriorating mental health. If you or your loved ones are struggling emotionally, Balanced You wants you to know that you are not alone, and that professional help is available from the safety of... Continue Reading →
A Conversation on Suicide Awareness and Prevention: September 22, 2020
As we continue to navigate the pandemic and these unprecedented times, paying special attention to your mental health and the mental health of those you love is crucial. In honor of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, King County employees are invited to join Balanced You for a virtual conversation featuring speakers from the Black /... Continue Reading →
Mental health tips and resources for King County employees facing layoff
A lay-off may be difficult to cope with mentally and emotionally. Some feelings you may experience include grief, anger, sadness, hopelessness, or relief. Any feelings you experience are valid. Remember that there are steps you can take and resources you can access to support your mental health and emotional well-being during this process. Self-care during... Continue Reading →
Making Life Easier for King County employees
King County provides mental health programs to help employees and their family cope with the personal outcomes of tragedies, stress, change, or trauma. The Making Life Easier Program (MLE) is one free resource that is available for all King County employees and their households to use when experiencing difficult situations. MLE offers support with various... Continue Reading →
Mental Health Month: Supporting others
It's Mental Health Month and Balanced You is focusing on the topic “supporting others.” Widening our view from self-care to collective care by supporting others’ mental health is important, especially during the ongoing pandemic, which has increased stress for so many. While you may not be able to fix someone’s mental well-being, there are simple... Continue Reading →
Mental Health Month week three: Connecting with others
For the third week of Mental Health month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “connecting with others.” Social connection helps ward off social isolation and is an important part of mental health. The connections we make with other people enrich our lives and support us through the most difficult times. But, sometimes, it is... Continue Reading →
Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs - has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and... Continue Reading →
Mental Health Month week two: Creating healthy routines
For the second week of Mental Health Month, Balanced You is focusing on the topic “creating healthy routines.” Many of our routines including nutrition, physical activity, social connection, and rest have been upended by the pandemic. Maintaining our old routines may be impossible, due to new work schedules, social distancing rules, or stress levels. As... Continue Reading →
Advice from EAP: Filling our self-compassion tanks
The coronavirus pandemic is challenging professionally and personally for all of us. Perhaps you’re frustrated with yourself because you’re struggling with computer technology or having difficulty learning new job skills. Or, if you’re a parent, perhaps you’re questioning your ability as you struggle to balance your child’s online and recreation schedule. Self-compassion is a practice... Continue Reading →

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