Managing change through EAP

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Change is inevitable. Whether it's change one chooses to make on their own or change that just happens, everyone experiences it at some point.

In today's complex world, people typically expect change, however, it would be nice to have some advance warning.

"Often being aware of the affects that change has on our well-being can help us cope with the process," said Ina Bachman, a licensed clinical social worker and the Employee Assistance Program counselor on base.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit to assist civilian employees through confidential counseling on personal and job related issues as well as financial and legal advice.

According to Bachman, change usually follows a process. The rate at which a person goes through this process depends on how quickly they adapt to change.

"People are often surprised by the process, which may include feelings of loss, anxiety, excitement or hope," Bachman said. "Change can affect us on a physical level, too. We may find ourselves having difficulty sleeping, concentrating at work or having more headaches, backaches or stomach problems. Other people may find themselves behaving in ways that are out of character, such as anger outbursts or drinking alcohol more than usual."

Dealing with change can be easier to those who are open to the occurrence of it and have tools to better understand how to manage change as it occurs, continued Bachman.

"Knowing what to expect is the first step. Other steps may include developing a stress management plan, getting extra support from friends and family or working on a vision for the future," she said. "The EAP is a great resource to discuss what's going on and figure out what your best next steps may be to handle the situation."

Bachman can help employees here figure out those next steps. She comes to Hanscom on Mondays andher office is located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center building. However, civilians don't have to wait until a Monday to talk with someone about an issue or concern they are facing.

"My schedule varies," said Bachman. "I'm at Hanscom on Mondays and the rest of the week I'm in my office at the JFK building in Boston."

In addition to helping with issues that may affect employees outside of work, EAP offers assistance in the workplace.

"We offer coaching services," she said. "If a new supervisor wants to improve leadership skills, we can help with that. Maybe there is someone who wants to move ahead and promote, but has anxiety about doing so. We'll coach them through that process. There may be a civilian who wants to learn more about stress management in order to help his or her staff. We will help that person learn more about it."

Anyone who wishes to learn more about EAP may visit www.foh4you.com or call 1-800-222-0364 to make an appointment with Bachman or an affiliate provider.