Mental Health Newsletter

Winter 2023

In this edition:

The health and well-being of Orange County Government employees is a top priority. YOU matter. Check out OC MindMatters, a resource to support your journey towards optimal mental health.

OC MindMatters

MIND your Health

Podcast Recording:

Practicing Mindfulness with Kasie Wallace

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.

Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. (Jon Kabat-Zin, Berkeley University of California, 2023)

Listen Here

Mindfulness Resources:

Here are some tips and strategies to help you and your family practice mindfulness.

Mental Health Virtual Therapist -

Jared Chantrill

In addition to the six free counseling sessions through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees and their family members (spouse and children) have access to a mental health virtual therapist.

Appointment Windows:

Tuesdays - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Thursdays - 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

To learn more about Jared Chantrill, click below.

Click Here

To schedule an appointment, employees can call the EAP toll free number at 1-855-221-8925 or contact Jared Chantrill at 808-773-6858 or email [email protected].

Download the Headspace App

As part of our goal to create a healthy and happy culture, we've partnered with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation through their app and online content.

Headspace is the most science-backed mindfulness app, proven to reduce stress, improve mental resilience, and help you fall asleep more easily. It is also proven to increase happiness and compassion.

To get started, sign up for your Headspace subscription at OCFL's employee enrollment page: https://work.headspace.com/ocfl/join

Got questions? Visit their Help Center or email the Member Experience team at [email protected]

Wellness Webinar:

Connecting Mind & Body for Healthy Living

Wellness Webinar:

Achieving Balance

When: Tues., Feb. 21 at 12 p.m.

Where: Register Here

This workshop will help you to find healthy ways to cope with the stress and problems of every day life and explore mind and body connection.

When: Wed., April 19 at 12 p.m.

Where: Register Here

This workshop discusses ways to manage time, energy, health, and relationships to help you feel more at harmony in all areas of your life.

Free Counseling Sessions

Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees and their family members (spouse and children) have access to six free counseling sessions. Virtual or in-person counseling is available.

In order to utilize counseling services through the EAP, you must call 1-855-221-8925. You will be asked for our Web ID (ORANGECOUNTY).

A representative will connect you with a professional that fits your needs so you can schedule a free appointment.

We highly recommend that you do NOT unsubscribe from Orange County Government Human Resources emails as this will also unsubscribe you from important information about benefits enrollment, required training, etc.