Stories from our people
We're fortunate to be able share the stories of how our people have benefited from using EAP. If you have a story to share, email wellbeing@auspost.com.au
Receive support with an unbiased professional
“I had been having trouble sleeping as I found myself worrying about my parents well into the night. After confiding in a colleague who had been in a similar situation caring for elderly parents, I was reminded how important it is that I look after my own health.”
Carla is grateful for the support of her fellow team member, which prompted her to book in a counselling appointment with the EAP. The sessions gave her an opportunity to get some worries off her chest to an unbiased professional and agree on some strategies to help her manage her anxious thoughts.
“I found that seeing the counsellor regularly for just a few appointments made the world of difference.”
Access support to overcome hardship without fear of judgment
After months of struggling to make ends meet due to escalating cost of living pressures and a recent relationship breakdown, Zara from our customer service team, finally reached out to our EAP program. The financial strain from unexpected bills and going out on her own had well and truly taken its toll on her mental health and started to impact her job performance. Hesitant at first, she was relieved to discover that EAP offered confidential financial coaching as well as support with the separation from her partner.
With help of the EAP program, Zara was able to create a clear plan to reduce her debt and start saving, as well as constructive support to navigate through her personal relationship challenges. The program also referred her to relevant community resources and counselling services. Over the next few months, Zara found a renewed sense of stability and confidence, not only in her finances, but also in her ability to better balance work and life. The EAP support had offered a lifeline to Zara, providing the support she needed to overcome hardship without fear of judgment or stigma.
Coping with the cost of living
After saving hard to purchase a home with her husband for their growing family last year, Emma started to feel the pinch as mortgage rates and cost of living pressures mounted. Her daily routine began to feel overwhelming and, as Emma’s worries spiralled, she began to find it difficult to focus at work.
While Emma felt supported by her husband and her close network of friends, she was looking for more help but wasn’t sure where to go. Emma came across an advertisement for financial wellbeing education sessions run by Australia Post and went along to the session.
She discovered a few simple budgeting tools and also learnt there was free and confidential financial coaching both she and her husband could access through the EAP Converge International. Of her experience with the Money Assist service, Emma said “it was comforting to get some of my worries off my chest and get some advice on a few specific money concerns I had been ruminating on. The EAP financial coach made me feel comfortable and the strategies recommended provided me a clear path forward.”
Receive support in your preferred language
Tan has worked at his local regional post office for 7 years, and knows many of his customers, regularly enjoying a chat. He was shocked, therefore, when a new customer made a derogatory comment about Tan’s culture in his presence. Tan’s Postal Manager (PM) had a chat with him afterwards and suggested Tan reach out to our EAP for support.
Initially Tan was hesitant as English is his third language, and he was worried if he could talk about his feelings properly. Tan’s PM reassured him that he could speak with a Mandarin counsellor, and helped Tan to make an appointment.
“The counsellor was fantastic and helped me talk about the customer and how upset I was,” said Tan. “I didn’t know the EAP had counsellors speaking different languages so that was very helpful”.
How your leader can help
As a single parent, Tricia was the primary support for her daughter who was struggling in a new
job. When she noticed that her engagement at work was being impacted by family worries, Tricia reached out to her team leader for support.
“My daughter was coming home every day really distressed. I tried hard to stay calm and supportive at home for her, but it took a toll on me, as I was sleeping poorly, and I was worrying a lot about her during the workday.”
Tricia’s leader talked with her about how Australia Post could best support her while she supported her daughter. He checked in regularly over the next few weeks and encouraged her to access the EAP for professional support if she felt she needed it.
“My leader was very empathic about my concerns for my daughter. I found a quick check-in each day with him really helped me settle into the work day and keep my focus on work. Although I’ve had a really good experience with the EAP in the past for a different issue, my leader’s support and his encouragement to look after myself was sufficient this time.
Practical tips helped Matt manage anxiety
At the start of COVID-19, my friends in the medical field were talking to me about how bad the pandemic could get. Now my way of processing things that worry me is to find out as much information as possible so I started reading a lot online and obsessing over what could happen. In addition to this, my wife was pregnant with our third son, and we weren’t sure if I was even going to be in the hospital for the birth due to COVID restrictions. Plus, my parents are high-risk candidates and I spent a lot of time worrying about whether they were isolating enough.
All this made me distracted from the family, and not present. I became very anxious. I called EAP to get some perspective on how anxiety works. EAP highlighted to me the things I could do to manage how I was feeling, which included spending time in the sun, spending more time with the family, and minimising the amount of COVID-19 information I consume. This helped me be a better parent and be more emotionally available for my family.
Feeling empowered helped Lou move ahead
My first experience with the Employee Assistance Program was in 2007. I had a life long battle with mental illness and after a visit from a senior leader it was evident that once again I was facing some challenges. At this stage, having only been with the organisation for 12 months, I didn’t even realise this was a service Australia Post offered. I had two amazing managers who wanted to help me get the support I so desperately needed. Eight years later, EAP has gone on to become a vital service I’ve tapped into on numerous occasions for numerous reasons, in fact I don’t think a year has passed where I haven’t reached out to EAP.
Towards the end of 2017, I contacted EAP within 24 hours of the breakdown of my marriage. Over the next six sessions, I felt empowered to tackle what lay ahead, a little excited even. I spoke with my counsellor about some ongoing sessions and was surprised to learn how quickly Australia Post arranged this, all while maintaining my confidentiality.
Connecting with specialised experts, has helped me implement quick and effective strategies, and build a survival kit of tools and coping strategies to help keep me mentally fit and aware of those times I need to reach out for support, while providing a safe space to do so. EAP has taught me the importance of practicing gratitude, being kind to myself, identifying my own set of values and beliefs, setting boundaries, and that it’s okay to not be okay.
Working for an organisation that provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program plays a huge role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and leaves me feeling supported and extremely proud.
