Long-standing stigmas surrounding mental health and mental health illnesses have slowly eroded, thanks in part to recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, which began in 1946.

The month’s focus helps people recognize that mental health is about more than just mental disorders. How we deal with normal daily stressors also impacts our mental health and quality of life. No individual, regardless of age or stage in life, is unaffected by factors that can negatively impact their mental health. Consider children and youth who suffer from low self-esteem due to body image perception; college students who encounter significant academic challenges and loneliness; parents who are navigating a broken relationship or high-pressure job; and senior adults who are isolated, particularly those who live in remote, rural areas.

Living with a chronic physical health condition can also lead to mental health issues – in fact, such a symbiotic relationship exists between our physical and mental health that one can often lead to the other.

To help you recognize and address a variety of mental health issues, Transocean provides you  with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and WorkLife Services Benefit, regardless of whether you are enrolled in a UHC medical health plan. You can access experienced guidance and expert resources 24/7 – and you and each of your family members can receive up to six, no-cost visits per year, per incident with experienced counselors. These benefits also offer a variety of ways to access services, including an online option and via text messaging through TalkSpace.

In addition to the resources found on the Live and Work Well website, your EAP provider, Optum, is offering additional resources this month related to managing anxiety. This proactive mental health approach helps you understand and cope with anxiety before it becomes disabling. Simply go to Optum’s website and enter Transocean’s access code: rig. The Healthy Mind section on the MyJourney page also has a number of mental health resources available, including both in-person and virtual counseling sessions, self-guided app-based tools, substance abuse recovery treatment, and 24/7 crisis hotline services. Note: For some of these resources, you may be required to be enrolled in our Transocean medical plan.

Nearly everyone encounters some type of mental health challenge in their lifetime, which is why more awareness is necessary. Normalizing mental health challenges and illnesses the same way we talk about our physical health can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment – and remove a layer of shame and darkness from those who suffer. Take advantage of Mental Health Awareness Month to mind your own mental health and become more aware of those around you who may need attention and support.

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