May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives.

NEW! County of San Mateo Behavioral Health Flyer - Your County Emotional Well-being Resources

We are EXTREMELY excited to share our NEW- Behavioral Health Resource Flyer.

• This resource guide is an easy to read tool that displays ALL County mental and behavioral health benefits for employees and those benefits that are specific to you based on your selected Health Insurance Carrier (Blue Shield or Kaiser).
• This guide will provide you with resources based on your needs and it details how to access the various benefits.

The challenges of daily life can be stressful for various reasons. Whether it’s work, school, or family obligations, it’s no wonder that many of us sometimes have trouble managing the ups and downs of our day-to-day lives. That’s why the County of San Mateo offers mental and behavioral health benefits through various sources.

Claremont Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  – Empowering you with information for your personal well-being

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Claremont EAP is sharing valuable information and resources related to mental health and mental illness in their newsletter:

• Correcting Myths about Mental Health Conditions
  • English
  • Spanish
• Understanding Grief and Trauma
  • English
  • Spanish

Claremont EAP offers up to five (5) individual counseling visits and a wide variety of work-life resources at no cost to the employee. These services are available to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect your personal well-being and/or work performance.

For more information, please visit the County EAP webpage or Claremont EAP’s website.

To obtain services: 
Call toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800)834 -3773
Group/Employer: County of San Mateo

Employee Interest Groups - Connect, Reset, and Reach Your Wellness Goals

COVID weight gain is real. A shift in our routine caused many us of to exercise less and eat more. Weight gain not only affects self esteem, heart health, sleep, joint pain, and blood sugar - it also decreases mood. If you're interested in joining a supportive and positive group of people working toward weight loss, join our Weight Loss Support Group every other Friday 12:00pm-12:20pm

Wondering what "self care" is all about? Explore Mind-Body Techniques for Self-Care. Meets on the 4th Thursday of every month from 12:00pm-12:30pm.

Many of us are experiencing changes in sleep, including lack of sleep, interrupted sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and difficulty staying awake throughout our workday. Get expert guidance and share your struggles with a trained professional at our Sleep Support Group every Monday from 11:00am-11:30am.

The benefits of regular meditation include lowered blood pressure, improved immune function, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased resilience. Explore different types of meditation to see which one is right for you by visiting our Mindfulness/Meditation Group every Wednesday 11:00am-11:30am.

Employees are already reporting improved physical and mental health from attending these sessions. We hope to see you soon!

Registration located under Events > Employee Interest Groups in PreventionCloud

NEW Journey Videos Have Launched in PreventionCloud - Over 300 Topics to Choose From!

Visit your PreventionCloud Wellness Portal to access videos that help:

• reduce stress, 
• improve communication, 
• manage anxiety, 
• improve focus and attention, 
• shift toward an attitude of gratitude, 
• and practice strategies that prioritize your emotional wellbeing

Videos vary in length from 1 minute to 46 minutes, can be watched by adults and children, and some are available in Spanish!

Watching Journey videos can help regulate mood when having a hectic day AND give credit toward several My Plans as part of the Dividend Program ($500-$750 this year)

Upcoming Training Sessions and Events

Sign-up through LMS for the following training sessions held via Microsoft Teams

2022 Employee Bowling Tournament

Saturday, May 21, 2pm-5pm
Classic Bowl in Daly City

Register now through EventBrite or show up the day of to register through EventBrite onsite.

Choose Local Monthly Rewards

Track your steps in PreventionCloud to earn a $10 or $30 Choose Local reward redeemable at local businesses!

For more Information, please visit the Choose Local San Mateo County page