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Morneau Shepell
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Welcome to your Beneficiary Assistance Program.

If you do not know your username please call 800-227-8620 for assistance or contact your administrator.

workhealthlife
 
Your Employee Assistance Program is a support service that can help you take the first step toward change.
 
Woman walking on the beach, leaving footsteps in the sand.

Take the first step towards change

We're an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides you and your family with immediate and confidential support to help resolve work, health, and life challenges to improve your life. Let us help you find solutions so you can reach your goals at any age or stage of life. We help millions of people worldwide live healthy, happy, and productive lives.

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    Access and use of the program is completely confidential. No one, including your employer, coworkers or family, will ever know that you used the program unless you choose to tell them.
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    When you connect with us, we'll help you pick the right support. Within a few minutes, you'll be set up to take your first step towards change.
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    There is no cost to you to use the program. This benefit is provided to you by your employer, insurance carrier, association, or other party.
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    Friend therapy

    Bookmark Article

    From childhood to old age, friends play a monumental role in our lives ─ and our health. Friendships help lower our blood pressure, maintain hormone function, bolster our immune systems, reduce inflammation, sustain cognitive function as we age and even help us live longer. Studies have shown that not having good friends is as bad for our long-term physical health as both obesity and smoking!

    Friends are also essential to our mental health. They boost our self-confidence and self-esteem while helping us deal with everyday problems and traumatic events. Most of all, good friends make life more fun.

    Talking things out

    Talking to someone about how we’re feeling or what’s going on in our lives helps us clarify issues and gain different perspectives on situations. Mental health professionals have used “talk therapy” for decades to manage and overcome mental health issues or difficult life events. Psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors are invaluable resources when we’re facing tough situations, feeling overwhelmed or dealing with a mental illness. But in our daily lives, close friends offer another level of support that involves affection and shared experiences. Friends know our history, our strengths and weaknesses, our goals and our dreams. While not being professional therapists, they can be greatly therapeutic!

    Technology has provided us with new kinds of friendships that can be just as beneficial – online relationships. These can also be a source of emotional support, advice and connection, especially for people with mobility issues or those living far away from family and long-time friends. The online world of social media, special interest sites and discussion groups allows us to connect with like-minded people anywhere and at any time.

    How to be a good friend

    If we want good friends, we have to be a good friend. There are certain characteristics that are essential in forging and cultivating any close, lasting relationship. These include:

    • Listening. It sounds simple but make sure you're listening as much as you're talking about yourself.
    • Dependability. Your friends should always feel like they can count on you in both good times and bad. Good friends are those who are the first to drop what they’re doing to help out when you’re sick or hand you a tissue when you are upset. Try to keep your promises. If you're not sure you can do something, don't agree to do it then back out later.
    • Honesty and sincerity. Your friends need to know that you are honest about your feelings and sincere with your advice. However, being honest is different from being so blunt that you're hurting someone’s feelings. For example, you may be concerned about a friend who seems to have given up looking for a job, but instead of saying, “You need to get it together” or “You’re not trying hard enough,” gently inquire about what’s going on in her life that’s making her feel defeated -- then offer to help get her back on track.
    • Trustworthiness. The most important element in any relationship is trust. People need to know that you’ll keep confidences.
    • Forgiveness. Any lasting relationship involves forgiveness. Don’t let resentment build up. If you’re angry at a friend, tell them why and talk about the issue.
    • Unconditional support. Good friends accept you for who you are. They love you despite your flaws. They’re patient when you make mistakes and encourage you to reach your goals. They only have your best interests at heart.
    • Staying connected. The demands of work and family can cause people to lose touch. Sometimes a simple email, Facebook post, tweet or phone call is all that’s needed to show you still care. Even if you’re miles apart, a friendship can be maintained.

    For more information on making and developing friendships or accessing a mental health professional, contact your Employee Assistance Program.

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