tips for maintaining your mental health...introduction: working from home –now what?...
TRANSCRIPT
WORKING FROM HOME:
Tips for Maintaining Your
Mental Health
Presented by
Robyn Gantsweg
DISABILITY RIGHTS CALIFORNIA (DRC)
California’s Protection & Advocacy System
Mission Statement:
Advocate, educate, investigate and litigate to
advance and protect the rights of Californians
with disabilities.
2
DRC SERVICES
Intake & Referral
Self-Help Materials & other publications
Legal Trainings
Public Policy & Legislative Advocacy
State Hospital Patients’ Rights Advocates
Clients’ Rights Advocates for Regional Center Clients
Legal Counsel & Advice
Representation of Individuals with Disabilities
in Priority Areas
Systemic Litigation3
PEER SELF-ADVOCACY
PROGRAM (PSA) SERVICES
Facilitate Self-Advocacy Groups in Mental Health
Facilities & State Hospitals
Provide Trainings to People with Mental Health
Disabilities, Family Members & Service Providers
on Legal Rights and Access to Services
Help Participants Develop Self-Advocacy Skills &
Strategies to Advocate for their Own Goals and
Services. 4
TRAINING AGENDA
Introduction: Working from Home – Now What?
Transformation in the Workplace – Why Now?
Working from Home – What’s Different?
Ways to Maintain Our Mental Health
Tips & Strategies: What we CAN Do!
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WHY ARE WE NOW
WORKING AT HOME?
Company Expansion Requires Employees to
Work from Home
Company Trying to Save Money
Fewer Offices or Smaller Office at
Workplace
Employees Request it for Personal Reasons
Co-vid 19
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HOW CO-VID 19 AFFECTS
OUR DAILY LIVES
Loss of Control & Disruption of Daily Life
Social & Recreational Activity Restrictions
Unpredictability & Confusion
Conflicting & Changing Information
Lack of Necessary Supplies
Effects on Relationships & Communication
Employment & Financial Instability7
SO WE’RE
WORKING AT HOME:
NOW WHAT?
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT
WORKING FROM HOME?
Changes to Workspace
Need Reliable Technology
Schedule
Different Distractions
Different Communication Methods
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WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
Less Guidance & Feedback
Less Teambuilding Activities
Isolation & Loneliness
Burnout
More Time with Family
Eat at Home
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WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
Dress Code
Accountability
Physical Movement
No Commute or Traffic
Save Money
Mental Health Symptoms May Worsen
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HOW TO MAINTAIN
OUR MENTAL HEALTH:
WHAT CAN WE DO?
IDENTIFY & RECOGNIZE STRESS
What is Causing Stress?
What is Your Stress Level?
Keep a “Stress Journal”
What Works & What Doesn’t?
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TIPS - WHAT WE CAN DO:
Make a Schedule & Map Out Your Day
Dress for the Office
Make Workspace Your Own
Regular Contact with Supervisor
& Coworkers
Separate Work & Life
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WHAT WE CAN DO:
Set Boundaries & Expectations
Limit Media Time
Concentration - Distract & Redirect
Work Ahead When Feeling Well
It’s OK to Not Be OK
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WHAT WE CAN DO:
Prioritize Personal Hygiene & Self-Care
Keep Immune System Strong
Natural Light
Stay Active
Get Fresh Air
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WHAT WE CAN DO:
Continue Treatment Plan
Identify Triggers
Recognize Warning Signs
Be Aware of Symptoms
Reach Out to Your Support Network
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THE “APPLE” TECHNIQUE
FOR ANXIETY
Acknowledge the Uncertainty.
Pause & Breathe - you can control how you
react.
Pull Back & tell yourself the need for certainty
is unnecessary.
Let Go: Your thoughts & feelings will pass -
you don’t have to respond to them.
Explore the Present & note that all is well. 18
WHAT WE CAN DO:
Ask for Feedback & Guidance
Set Realistic Goals
Identify What you Need to Work Effectively
Find Alone Time
Be Gentle with Yourself
Learn Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress
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WHAT WE CAN DO:
Control What You Can – Let Go of the Rest
Know When to Take Breaks
Simplify Your Life
Do Things You Enjoy
Be “In The Moment”
Find the Positives (They ARE There!)
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RESOURCES
For assistance, please contact the Disability Rights
California confidential intake line at 1-800-776-5746,
available 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday,
or for TTY call: 1-800-719-5798.
DRC Website: www.disabilityrightsca.org
Feel free to connect:
REMEMBER
TO BREATHE!
Feel Free to Ask
Questions or Share
Comments!