Mental Wellness & Employee Well-being During November Observances

November: A Month to Recognize, Empower, and Care

November is a time to honor both National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At Uprise Health, we’re committed to advancing mental healthcare and employee well-being for caregivers and their families. Supporting loved ones, especially those facing Alzheimer’s or chronic illness, requires heart, strength, and sometimes a little extra help. This month, let’s lift up caregivers and families, and explore new ways to feel our best, together.

The Heart of Caregiving: Compassion in Action

Family caregivers are the unsung heroes among us. Whether you’re supporting a parent, a partner, or a close friend, your role is vital. In addition to caring for others, about 61% of caregivers work outside the home, which can lead to being more physically or emotionally absent at work. Caregiving is about more than routines and appointments; it’s a responsibility that affects your mental wellness, your physical health, and your emotional well-being.

• Mental Wellness: Providing care for a loved one, or supporting someone with Alzheimer’s is unpredictable at times. Building resilience through peer support groups and connecting with others can make all the difference.
• Physical Health: Being a caregiver can leave you feeling tired, running on empty, or grabbing meals on the go. Even small tweaks, like a quick walk or better sleep, can help you stay strong and present.
• Emotional Impact: While there is so much joy to be had in helping someone you love, there are also moments of stress, worry, or even loneliness. It’s normal to feel all of this. The most important step is to notice those feelings and give yourself permission to care for your own heart, too.

Simple Ways to Build Healthy Habits

This month, try out realistic habits that make daily life a little easier for you and your loved one. We know it’s easier said than done, but if you shift the focus from being perfect to making one small choice at a time, those small choices just might add up to healthier patterns and improved mental health.

1. Make Time for Yourself: A short break, a favorite hobby, or a quiet moment can give you the energy to keep going. Self-care is essential to help balance all the responsibilities you juggle on a daily basis.
2. Reach Out and Connect: You’re not alone. Online forums, peer support groups, and local caregiver groups can be a big source of comfort. Sharing your experiences and tips with people who understand can ease the load and provide support.
3. Try Helpful Tools: Technology can be a lifesaver. Things like digital calendars, medication reminders, or mental health apps like the one from Uprise Health are there to help you feel more in control and less stressed.
4. Communicate with Kindness: Alzheimer’s can make conversations tricky. Simple, gentle language and really listening—plus a little patience—can help you and your loved one feel understood and calm.
5. Ask for and Accept Help: Leaning on others is a sign of strength, not weakness. If friends or family offer to pitch in, or if professional help is available, say yes. Everyone, even you, deserves a break.

How Uprise Health Can Support You

We know caregiving can be tough, and we’re here for you. Uprise Health offers modern EAP solutions, a digital app, and enhanced EAP resources to help you cope, stay balanced, and get the support you need:

• Guided digital tools for mental wellness
• Access to mental health coaches and care coordinators
• Helpful tips and educational information about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, and chronic condition management
• Confidential support to help prevent burnout and find balance

For the employers, our EAP engagement strategies and resources help reduce employee absenteeism and presenteeism, supporting whole person care for every member of your team.

Honoring Your Journey

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, or anyone who needs extra support, is an act of love. It’s also a challenge that calls for patience, compassion, and a lot of self-care. This November, give yourself credit for your hard work, look for small ways to build healthy habits, and remember to celebrate each little win. Taking care of yourself matters just as much as caring for others.

And don’t forget: Uprise Health is here to walk this path with you. If you’d like more resources or want to talk with a mental health expert, we’re always ready to help.

If you aren’t a caregiver, but know someone who is, take some time this month to reach out and see how they’re doing. And to the caregivers: thank you for all you do. Your kindness and commitment make a real difference, every day.