When and How to Use Your EAP

You have seen the EAP poster at work or heard about it at induction, but you are not sure it is for you. Maybe you worry your manager will find out, or that your problem is too small. Most people who use an EAP had the same doubts. It is there for exactly these moments.

What is happening

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential support service your employer pays for, so that you and often your family can get help with problems that affect your life and work. Through Cleared Mind this can include counselling for stress, anxiety, low mood, grief and relationship problems, as well as guidance on money, legal questions, family matters and work issues. The exact services and number of sessions depend on your employer's plan.

Confidentiality is the part people worry about most. Your employer does not get your name, what you discussed or your answers to any check-ins. They receive only anonymous, grouped numbers, such as how many people used the service in a month, as allowed by POPIA. There are a few limits that apply to all counselling: if there is a serious risk to your life or someone else's, if a child is being abused, or if a court orders information. A counsellor will explain these at the start.

You can use your EAP in two ways. A self-referral is when you contact it yourself; nobody at work knows. A formal managerial referral happens when your manager suggests it because of concerns about work or safety. Even then, your manager usually learns only whether you attended, and only if you agree.

Is this you?

• You are stressed, tired or low, and it is affecting your work or home.
• You are dealing with a big change: bereavement, divorce, retrenchment, illness or a new baby.
• Money, debt or legal worries are keeping you up at night.
• There has been a traumatic event at work, such as an accident, robbery or violence.
• Your manager has suggested the EAP and you are unsure what it means.
• A family member is struggling and you do not know how to help.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no, thinking about the last month.

• Has something been on your mind most days?
• Is it affecting your sleep, appetite or energy?
• Is it affecting your concentration or work?
• Have you been drinking more, gambling or using other ways to cope that worry you?
• Have you felt you have nobody to talk to about it?
• Have you been putting off getting help because you are unsure who to ask?

0-1 yes: You may be coping well. The EAP is still there for advice or a quick chat whenever you need it.
2-3 yes: This is a good time to reach out. Early support is usually shorter and easier.
4 or more yes: Please contact your EAP soon. You do not have to handle this alone.

What you can do next

• Today: Find your EAP details in the Cleared Mind app, on your staff intranet or from HR. You can call the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 at any time.
• This week: Book a first session. You do not need to know exactly what to say. "I am not coping well and I do not know where to start" is enough.
• This month: Go to your sessions and give it a fair try. If the match with your counsellor does not feel right, ask for someone else. That is normal and allowed.
• Check whether family members in your household can also use the service.
• If you are a manager, use the EAP yourself for support, and for advice on how to help a team member.

Your tool

Work Stress Score - a short private check that shows what is weighing on you and suggests whether an EAP session would help now.

When to get professional help

If your distress has lasted more than two weeks, is affecting your work or relationships, or you feel unsafe, contact your EAP straight away. If you are in danger right now or thinking of ending your life, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, or 112 from a mobile.
Who can help: counsellor, psychologist, social worker, attorney, money coach, NCR-registered debt counsellor, career coach

Getting help in South Africa

The Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146) is your direct route into your EAP. If you do not have an EAP, the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837 (08:00-20:00) offers free support and referrals, and Legal Aid SA (legal-aid.co.za) can help with legal matters if you qualify.