Read on to learn how to recognize what distress looks like, react in a healthy way, and know what resources are available.
A Division of Administration and Finance
Self-Care Toolkit
Recognize
Look at the indicators of distress below and consider clusters, frequency, duration, and severity — not just symptoms. When indicators are neglected, these feelings can easily lead to ineffective coping and other serious consequences. You may feel alone, isolated, and even hopeless when faced with life’s current challenges and may need encouragement, a listening ear, kindness, advocates to help you communicate your needs, and privacy. If you feel distressed, the following indicators may help you recognize the signs.
- Unprovoked anger or hostility
- Making direct or indirect threats of harm to self or others
- Stalking or harassing
- Threatening emails, phone calls, or other forms of correspondence
- Thinking of suicide or death
- Physical violence, fighting, shoving, grabbing, assault, use of a weapon
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation, revenge, despair, violence, and/or suicidal ideation
- Unusual or disproportional emotional response to events
- Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability or apathy, hostility, and/or impulsiveness
- Self-disclosure of personal issues like financial difficulties, family or relationship problems, contemplating suicide, and losses
- Expressions of concern shared by peers
- Verbal aggression (e.g., taunts, badgers, or intimidates others)
- Delusions and paranoia
- Alcohol and drug abuse; substance abuse at the workplace; frequently calling out sick; poor work performance
- Uncomfortable working with a particular individual or groups on projects
- Expresses fear of another individual
- Visible bruises on face or body
- Sudden change in demeanor
- Overt reaction to topics of physical or sexual abuse
- Communication implies or indicates that there may have been sexual assault, stalking, hazing, bullying, a hate crime, or any other form of physical violence
React
Anyone can get upset or distressed, and this document will help you identify the most helpful things to do to ensure a satisfactory and supportive outcome. All situations are different, and this is only a guide.
Follow the chart below to determine what to do when faced with distress.
Is immediate assistance needed for any reason?
No - I have no concern for the immediate safety for myself or others, but there are significant personal issues and some support or additional resources are needed. See the Resources section of this guide to learn about helpful resources.
Yes - The individual’s conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening and is suggestive of harm to self or others. Call 911. Inform your supervisor if the individual is a co-worker.
Not Sure - I’m feeling distress, but I’m not sure how serious it is. Call the EAP at 855-410-7628 or dial 211 any time.
Helpful Suggestions
- Don’t dismiss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Identify safety and self-care strategies
- Document/journal about all incidents and attempts to resolve the situation
- Don’t assume that the situation will resolve itself on its own
- Talking to someone about feelings of suicide or death may help you to feel understood and give you helpful strategies
- Consult with a trusted person
- Think about who is in your support system who could help. There are people and resources available to you.
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
Resources
Free After-Hours Crisis Support
(insurance and co-pays may apply)
- Police - 911
- 2-1-1 Maryland - dial 211
- Maryland Crisis Hotline - 800-422-0009
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800-273-8255
- Sheppard Pratt Crisis Walk-in Clinic - 410-938-5302
- Baltimore City Crisis Response - 410-433-5175
- Baltimore County Crisis Response - 410-931-2214
- UMMS Psychiatric ER - 410-328-1219
- TurnAround Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline - 443-279-0379
- House of Ruth - 410-889-7884
- MD Coalition Against Sexual Assault - 800-983-7273
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-4673
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Hospitals:
Baltimore City - Mercy Medical Center - 410-333-9499
Baltimore County - GBMC - 410-849-3323 - UM Immediate Care - 667-214-1800
On-Campus Resources
- Employee Assistance Program (Employees and their families) - 855-410-7628
- Campus Police - 711 or 410-706-3333 or 410-706-6882 for a Non-Emergency Consultation
- Ombudsman - 410-706-8534
Other Resources
- Employee Assistance Program (for employees and their families) - 855-410-7628
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ) - 866-488-7386
- Maryland Gambling Helpline - 800-426-2537
- Substance Use Treatment - 410-433-5175
- Veterans Crisis Line - 800-273-8255 (Press 1)
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System - 800-463-6295, ext. 7324
- Off-Campus MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program - 410-685-7878
- UMB Guidance Resources (caregiving, financial, and legal services) - 855-410-7628
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services Maryland (CCCSMD) - 800-642-2227
Frequently Asked Questions about the EAP
The EAP is completely confidential.
The EAP is available to all faculty, staff, and their family members.
Each covered individual is eligible for up to five free visits to the EAP.
The EAP will refer the patient to a provider who is covered under the employee’s health plan.
No. The EAP has telehealth appointments available. All you need to do is call them at 855-410-7628.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Employees and Their Families: 855-410-7628
Contact
Compensation, Benefits, and Well-Being
620 W. Lexington St.
Third Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-2606
Benefits
HRBenefits@umaryland.edu
Compensation
HRComp@umaryland.edu
Well-Being at UMB
HRWell@umaryland.edu