Welcome to the Right Track

Welcome to The Right Track, the new Tanner EAP blog! First a confession--until recently I would never have imagined that writing a blog would become a regular part of the Tanner employee assistance program. But then, until recently the word "blog" hardly appeared in the common vocabulary.So why a blog in the first place? Isn't it just another marketing tool--just another attempt to find a catchy way to say the same old things? Well, yes, but it's also a recognition that providing good information should never be limited to the same old methods. As new methods of delivery and new media develop, so does the opportunity for transmitting useful information to more people in more efficient ways.

The Right Track will be a collection of information about a variety of EAP, mental health, wellness, and work-life issues. Weekly articles, lists of resources, suggestions for self-help and stress management, and good humor are some of the items you can expect to find when you visit the site. And, as with almost any blog, we want to hear from you as well. Feel free to comment or email us with your feedback, ideas, or questions. Your communication will always be confidential unless we are concerned about your safety. The Right Track, however, is not internet therapy and information contained in this blog should never be expected to take the place of a face-to-face session with a licensed psychotherapist. As our disclaimer indicates, if you are experiencing severe emotional distress, you should call or visit the nearest hospital emergency department where you will find immediate assistance.

Uncertain about the role or purpose of EAP? Do you ever remember being told that you should leave your personal problems at home and your work problems at work? The truth is that doing so is not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes life brings us challenges that result in our feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and without intending to do so, we bring those worries to work with us. The result is that our concentration, our focus, and our job performance no longer meet our own work standards nor those of our employer. The mission of Tanner EAP is to assist employees and managers in identifying and resolving issues that, left unchecked, have the potential to interfere with workplace productivity. Such issues include marriage and family relationships, mental health concerns, legal and financial worries, alcohol and other drug problems, and, yes, even job stress!

The ability to recognize when you have met your limits and that you need the assistance of a professional is often the first sign of strength and emotional wellness. It is no more weakness to ask for help from a good counselor when you are emotionally out of sorts than it is to ask for help from an auto mechanic when your vehicle is out of sorts. In fact, with today's stresses (and today's automobiles) it really doesn't make much sense to try to repair "it" all by yourself. So, if you have a personal concern and would like to speak to one of our counselors, please give us a call. You don't have to be referred by anyone other than yourself. Remember, it's confidential and costs only the time you chose to invest in your own self improvement. Our number is 770.834.8327. Call us. We can help!