Too Worried to Work?

We all have stressful days on the job. But if stress and worry consistently disrupt your ability to work, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. Severe forms include excessive worry, panic or fear of a specific situation.

Uncontrolled, chronic anxiety can leave you distracted and exhausted, reducing your mental effectiveness, physical health and ability to enjoy everyday activities. A recent Rand Corporation study found that anxiety disorder has a negative impact on health about equal to that of irritable bowel syndrome.

Signs of anxiety disorder that require evaluation:

• You are having more health problems than usual, such as frequent colds, indigestion, headaches, back pain, and insomnia.
• You are unable to relax.
• You are using alcohol, food or drugs to feel better.

Don’t delay seeking help – consult your health care provider or, if available to you, an EAP counselor. Be sure to explain your emotional symptoms along with your physical condition. Treatment may include talk therapy or medication or both.

USM, along with all campuses in the University of Maine System, has contracted with CIGNA Behavioral Health to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees. Services include free counseling sessions and 24-hour crisis intervention. You can reach CIGNA 24 hours a day, seven days a week by making a confidential, toll free call. Call 1-877-622-4327 or access the CIGNA Web site at cignabehavioral.com. If you would like further information about the program please contact our Benefits Office at 780-5218, 780-5653, or call Suzanne Roy, Health Promotion Manager, at 228-8151.