It’s time we treat mental health needs more openly as a society. Mental wellness is very important – now more than ever. Managing daily life and the uncertainty of recent, or future events occurring in our world can cause higher levels of stress and anxiety. Just over one year ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Due to this global health crisis, the FAA moved to maximum telework status. Since then, employees have had to learn a new kind of normal. For most, the faces we’ve been accustomed to seeing every day are now only seen through a screen during Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings.

Worries and anxiety, whether related to the pandemic or not, can be overwhelming. While we have all learned of numerous ways to cope with working from home, one in five Americans still struggle with some form of mental health condition. Many of these people don’t seek help due to the lack of accessibility to professional treatment, the stigma around mental health, or a lack of knowledge about mental health conditions. The well-being of this workforce is important, and challenges in life are inevitable. Please know that the FAA’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help.

There has been a growing need for expanded mental health services over the past year. The FAA is a community that cares, and there are resources to help you thrive during tough times. If you feel that you need guidance with any situation that is troubling you, call your Employee Assistance Program on 1-800-234-1327. This program is available to FAA employees, and to your immediate family members, 24/7. For more information, feel free to reach out to the Aeronautical Center’s EAP Managers: William Clear or Coletta Brewer

Your feelings are valid. Your mental health matters.