Employee Wellness by Dot Pearl

pearld4 — 2022-06-27 16:01:05 UTC

CDC’s Alcohol Program recently released a new alcohol screening tool. This free, evidence-based tool allows adults to anonymously check their drinking, identify barriers and motivators for drinking less, and print or save a personalized change plan.

This tool developed as part of the Drink Less, Be Your Best campaign, which provides resources and support to help adults drink less.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

pearld4 — 2022-07-07 17:47:56 UTC

988 is a quick way to text or call when you or someone you know needs support.

Boost your mood, sharpen your mind, reduce your stress and improve your sleep

pearld4 — 2022-08-24 16:07:01 UTC

Increasing physical activity if your job has you sitting most of day...

pearld4 — 2022-08-24 16:20:09 UTC

Though many teachers don't have many sitting moments in the day, some staff have positions that involve sitting for most of their day.

pearld4 — 2022-09-28 11:58:58 UTC

Learn to Cope

pearld4 — 2022-09-28 18:11:16 UTC

Learn to Cope is a peer-led support group for families dealing with addiction and recovery.
There are a number of groups across the state, virtually and in person.

Mass Substance Use Hotline

pearld4 — 2022-09-28 18:16:40 UTC

800 327-5050
https://helplinema.org/help/

Statewide, public free resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am- 10:00 pm

Weekends, 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Language interpreters are always available - Helpline services are anonymous and free.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

pearld4 — 2022-09-29 14:47:48 UTC

Palouse Mindfulness overs a free online, 8 week Mindfulness Stress Reduction course with a certified MBSR instructor.
Recommended by a KP colleague.
palousemindfulness.com

Employee Assistance Programs

pearld4 — 2022-09-29 18:13:03 UTC

You have access to the Emergency Assistance Program connected to your district for 24/7 confidential support for you or a family member needing support related to a variety of needs or stressors. the EAP offers counseling; as well as assistance and training opportunities. District Human Resources Offices do not receive any information related to who is accessing the EAP.

Teacher Wise

pearld4 — 2022-09-29 18:16:34 UTC

Teacher Wise is a program for teachers developed by Georgetown Wellbeing in School Environments(WISE) Center and the University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) to assess and manage their physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual and social wellbeing. Program modules are free and self-paced.

https://www.teacherwise.org/

Mental Health Screening though Mental Health America

pearld4 — 2022-09-29 18:19:45 UTC

Visit www.mhascreeing.org to check your symptoms. It's free, confidential, and anonymous. Once you have results, Mental Health America will share information and help you find tools and resources to feel better.

Stress or Anxiety

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Move It Monday

pearld4 — 2022-09-29 18:35:27 UTC

Research shows that starting a new practice on a Monday, increases the likelihood that you will continue that practice. The Monday Campaign provides a 10-wk Walk Your Way to Better Health series. Beginning an activity on Monday increases your likelihood of maintaining that activity. To sign up to receive weekly motivating tips and information.

Monday Campaigns/Move it Monday

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Norfolk Schools MIIA EAP

Plainville Schools MIIA EAP

Wrentham Schools EAP

King Philip Schools EAP

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 12:33:10 UTC

NAMI Mass COMPASS

Navigators answer a wide range of questions and refer to community resources. 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085 compass@namimass.org

Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm (excluding holidays)

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Information Hub

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 12:34:16 UTC

Provides a directory of resources for children and adults with mental health and substance use needs, as well as insurance information.

Health Insurance Resources

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 12:45:49 UTC

In addition to your Employee Assistance Program, it is important to understand additional supports and benefits from your insurance provider. Check with your insurance company, or if you take part in your district health insurance plan, your district HR department. Behavioral health care is included in most insurance plans.

Harvard Pilgrim -Doctor on Demand

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 12:54:50 UTC

https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/public/dr-on-demand
For staff with Harvard Pilgrim, Doctor on Demand is part of your benefits. 24/7 confidential telehealth for a variety of health need, including mental health. Members can be connected with licensed providers within 48 hours to address trauma, grief, family issues, anxiety and other mental health concerns.

Wellness Benefits

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 17:11:19 UTC

Check with your insurance carrier to learn about wellness benefits and supports. Many have fitness membership reimbursements, tracking tools, wellness workshops, and weight loss programs.

Wellness Benefits

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 17:22:18 UTC

Check with your insurance carrier for wellness programs and benefits. Your carrier may have fitness membership reimbursement, weight loss programs.

Apps to support your wellbeing

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 17:34:33 UTC

There are a number of wellbeing apps. Though many have free trials, note that some have fees following the free trial period.

Happify- A brain-training app based on research showing that certain activities can help you combat negativity, anxiety and stress while fostering positive traits like gratitude and empathy.
Headspace- Headspace provides a series of guided meditation sessions and mindfulness training.
Calm- A sleep and meditation app that includes guided meditations and sleep stories to help improve sleep, and decrease stress and anxiety.
HealthyMinds- Provides meditations and lessons to train your mind to improve awareness, connection, insight and purpose.

KP Employees with Harvard Pilgrim- free access to Sanvello mobile app: on-demand stress management.

Wrentham Employees with MIIA Blue Cross- free access to Headspace.

Parental Stress

pearld4 — 2022-10-07 17:36:55 UTC

Parental Stress Hotline

1-800-632-8188
24/7 Confidential & Anonymous

DeStress Mondays at School

pearld4 — 2022-10-17 13:14:28 UTC

Research shows that Mondays are the best days to begin a new routine or practice. The Monday Campaigns to offer you the DeStress Monday at School program. For ten weeks, you will receive a weekly email with two short activities, ranging from deep breathing to simple yoga. Over the 10 weeks, you will get to sample 20 different stress management strategies and, I hope, learn one or two new tools to use to help manage your and practice a bit of self-care this school year.

Once you enroll, you will receive the email each Friday. Each practice also comes with a coordinating student activity, should you want to bring them into the classroom.

pearld4 — 2022-10-18 18:02:19 UTC

How we experience and cope with grief and loss may be different for each of us. Many have experienced death of a loved one, a peer, or other acquaintance. For others, the pandemic has complicated the grief experience. It is important to recognize that losses often trigger our grief from the past, and also that this unprecedented time has brought with it feelings of loss and grief not related to death. Typically, bereavement training has not been a part of training for all educators or other school personnel. Staff often find themselves in the position of supporting students and colleagues. In addition to dealing with their own grief and losses, school staff may experience added stress, compassion fatigue or secondary trauma as they respond to and support others.

pearld4 — 2022-10-18 19:05:57 UTC

HopeHealth, Providence, in addition to specializing in Palliative Care, Hospice and Home Care, and VNA services; offers a variety of specialty and general, in-person and virtual support groups for children and adults. https://www.hopehealthco.org/services/hospice-care/grief-support/find-a-grief-support-group/

(888) 528-9077.

pearld4 — 2022-10-18 19:06:13 UTC

Care Dimensions, though closest office is in Waltham, their website has some good bereavement resources for learning and understanding grief, and also offers virtual grief support groups.

Other Bereavement Support Groups

pearld4 — 2022-10-18 19:31:47 UTC

CompassionateFriends.org is a national organization, with local chapters offering support groups. For example, there are groups that meet in Holliston and Milford.
Search local chapters- Chapter Search

Saint Mary's Franklin offers a 7 week Journey of Healing Support Group for people coping with the loss of a loved one or significant other. This is a peer group with facilitators who guide participants through the four tasks of mourning. Group meet twice a year, in fall and spring, from 7-9.
Contact: Nan Rafter 774-571-0092

Samaritans Grief Support

pearld4 — 2022-11-17 16:28:45 UTC

Samaritans offers to Suicide Loss Survivors.

pearld4 — 2022-11-17 16:30:34 UTC

Ten Helpful Ways You Can Manage Family Stress During the Holidays

pearld4 — 2022-11-17 16:46:37 UTC

For those who celebrate holidays this seaon, Families for Depression Awareness shares 10 ways to manage family stress:

Talk in advance to set expectations around gift-giving
Be selective about activities and do what matters to you most
Have a game plan for stressful moments
Be aware of tendency to revert to old patterns of behavior
Set and enforce boundaries for family members who display toxic behaviors
Give yourself time to grief and remember those you have lost
Practice gratitude
Replenish your body by making sleep, hydration and outdoor time priorities
Disconnect from screens and connect with others
Identify a lifeline to call when you feel stressed

For tips and conversation starters to help you practice these ten ways, see the full article.

Ten Helpful Ways You Can Manage Family Stress During the Holidays

pearld4 — 2022-11-28 18:14:20 UTC

Deep breathing

pearld4 — 2022-12-05 13:40:25 UTC

Deep breathing can be done anywhere and has been shown to reduce feelings of stress effectively.
Breath along with GIFs from De-Stress Monday, found at
https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/destress-monday/6-gifs-to-help-you-relax

pearld4 — 2022-12-09 20:48:53 UTC

Elder Services

pearld4 — 2022-12-15 14:09:03 UTC

Some of you may be caregiving your parent(s). Depending on where you live, the Council on Aging in your town may be able to help you access resources.
Serving the South Norfolk County area, is HESCO Elder Services. HESCO provides a number of services including a Family Caregiver, Home Care, Long Term Care Planning Programs and other resources and referral to services.

Practice 4-5-6 Breathing

pearld4 — 2022-12-27 15:05:17 UTC

Inhale through your nose while counting to four, and then hold your breath for five seconds. Exhale for six seconds. Repeat this process three more times.
This activity increases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, releases carbon dioxide from your lungs, and lowers your heart rate.

Mass Options

pearld4 — 2022-12-27 15:12:07 UTC

Resources to local aging and disability services. Provides supports and services through Mass Health, State Agencies, Council on Aging and other. Information on transportation, housing, insurance, in- home supports, caregiver supports, abuse and emergency services, food and nutrition, equipment and supplies, day services and more. Specialist to talk to you and/or search directories. 800-243-4636 (M-F, 9-5) Available in multiple languages.

Right Direction Self-Care Toolkit

pearld4 — 2023-02-24 14:16:17 UTC

Depression and Depression at Work

pearld4 — 2023-02-24 14:21:38 UTC

Right Direction is an initiative from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health and Employers Health, a professional benefits organization.
This website hosts a number of resources for understanding of depression at work, symptoms and treatment options. Resources and tips for navigating depression at work and in life.

Chair Yoga

pearld4 — 2023-03-14 15:02:50 UTC

Behavioral Health Service in Massachusetts

pearld4 — 2023-03-29 15:01:52 UTC

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline

pearld4 — 2023-03-29 15:03:20 UTC

Metro West Aging and Disability Resource Consortium

pearld4 — 2023-04-18 18:19:30 UTC

Provides information for those 60 or older, and family members about meals- on-wheels, transportation and other supports for independent living.

pearld4 — 2023-04-18 18:25:09 UTC

Provides help weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

508-949-6640 or 1-800-286-6640 (toll-free within Massachusetts)

Nutrition services, in- home support, caregiver support, Alzheimer's Supports, Healthy Aging Programs, community-based services.

All Services in: Bellingham, Blackstone, Brookfield, Charlton, Douglas, Dudley, E. Brookfield, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, N. Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster & W. Brookfield

Also, Adult Family Care in: Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Grafton, Hardwick, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, New Braintree, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, West Boylston & Worcester Personal Care Attendant in: Auburn, Holliston, Hopkinton, Leicester, Marlborough, Millbury, Millis, Norfolk, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Worcester & Wrentham

pearld4 — 2023-05-01 13:13:43 UTC

Parmenter Foundation

pearld4 — 2023-11-16 15:53:45 UTC

Compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement programs in MetroWest. Provides:

resources and guides for families related to bereavement for children, teens, and adults
information related to elder care, estate planning, and hospice and palliative care
helpful videos related to all content areas.
guides for talking to children/teens about grief, and locating summer camps and support groups for loss survivors
and more!

Parmenter Foundation

pearld4 — 2023-11-16 16:03:14 UTC

Parmenter Foundation is a great resource. Specific to aging, they provide a number of guides related to all aspects of elder care and services

https://parmenterfoundation.org/eldercare/

Care Solace

pearld4 — 2023-12-20 15:55:11 UTC

The four districts have partnered with Care Solace to support staff and family members. They provide confidential assistance to identify and secure appointments with counseling providers matching your needs.

At no cost to you, this multilingual service is available 24/7/365.

Please select the link for your district below:

caresolace.com/kingphilip

caresolace.com/norfolk

caresolace.com/plainvilleschools

caresolace.com/site/wrentham

Self-Care Tips for Educators

pearld4 — 2024-03-22 12:10:14 UTC

Healthy Monday- Mindful Monday Program

pearld4 — 2025-07-14 12:47:25 UTC

Healthy Monday provides this Guide for starting your week with a Mindful Monday and learning mindfulness and meditation strategies.

pearld4 — 2025-08-13 16:50:11 UTC

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

pearld4 — 2025-08-19 16:09:13 UTC

Your role as an educator comes with many responsibilities, including providing safety and support to student and colleagues. Learning about the signs of compassion fatigue and how to prevent it, also prevents burnout.

SAFE

pearld4 — 2025-09-17 18:05:05 UTC

SAFE is a nonprofit with an office in Franklin dedicated to compassionate, judgment-free support for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and related concerns. (Adolescent Wellness, Family Recovery, Collaborative Care.

What is 988?

pearld4 — 2026-01-06 17:33:10 UTC