The services providing emotional support, which were offered by the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and the Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Unit of the Department of Clinical Psychology during the first wave of COVID-19 epidemic are still available for university employees during the second wave of the epidemiological situation as well. Anyone, who experience increased tension, anxiety, difficulties in handling stress and the feeling of burnout may turn to the medical specialists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists participating in the mental health work. Besides this, an Employee Advisory Service is available starting from 1 December in the joint organization of the Semmelweis Health Development Center and the Institute of Behavioural Sciences. The Employee Advisory Service provides support primarily in case of life management difficulties and questions related to stress and burnout.
The current epidemiological situation imposes a significant physical and emotional burden on all of us. In such extreme circumstances, the long-term maintaining of inner balance means a great challenge; even those who have a large bearing capacity may find themselves in an unforeseen situation when they feel that they have reached their limits, feel uncertain and their means for solution are insufficient – warn the employees of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and the Department of Clinical Psychology, who continue to provide the free Psychiatric Emergency Services started in the first wave of the epidemic. University employees, who experience increased tension; difficulties in handling stress; the feeling of burnout; communication problems with patients or colleagues; increased anxiety; loss of appetite; persistent sleep disturbance; increased, persistent irritability with colleagues, family members; persistent complaints related to the memory, attention and sensory disturbances not exclusively associated with fatigue; long-term fatigue; drowsiness and related concentration problems may turn to the medical specialists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists participating in the mental health work.
After a preliminary administration process, the mental health support can be provided in person, via a secure online channel or on the telephone primarily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The personal data of the applicants are treated discretely, and everything that is said during the consultations comply with medical confidentiality. University employees may apply for such support on weekdays, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following telephone number or extension: 06-1-210-0330, 51243; or in e-mail: lelkisegely@med.semmelweis-univ.hu. After the request for an appointment, the employees of the department will contact the person concerned within 24 hours. When asking for an appointment, only the telephone number and e-mail address should be provided as well as a time that is suitable for the person to be contacted.
The Psychiatric Emergency Services can primarily be reached between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. via the following contacts: 06-1-210-0330 telephone, 51243 extension, lelkisegely@med.semmelweis-univ.hu e-mail.
The Employee Advisory Service can be reached via the extension 51750 or on the following e-mail address: kohalmi.andrea@med.semmelweis-univ.hu
The Employee Advisory Service, which is available starting from 1 December in the joint organization of the Semmelweis Health Development Center and the Institute of Behavioural Sciences, aims at providing support for university employees in case they experience stress because of their work and have to face such challenges with which they cannot cope alone. Employees may turn to the Employee Advisory Service with all sorts of emotional problems, which are associated with their work or inhibit their work. Such problems are: the difficulties of handling stress and anxiety; problems in relationships/with partners; time management questions; difficulties with family members; problems related to grief or the disease of the person/parents/children/partners; search for a professional identity; uncertainty and difficulties in decision-making. The Employee Advisory Service also provides help in the solution of the emotional consequences of the increased workload related to COVID-19 epidemic and in the handling of the associated stress. Besides individual consultations, the Employee Advisory Service provides online group psychology services as well, such as stress handling group services, group services for the prevention of burnout, groups for case discussion and Mindfulness groups.
Bernadett Bódi
Source of featured image (illustration): vecteezy
Translation: Katalin Illés-Romhányi
