Empowering Resilience: James’ EAP Journey

Meet James, an ambitious account executive at Employment Hero, whose passion for rugby matches his drive for success in the workplace. As a talented football player, James dedicates his free time to competing in one of Sydney’s premier football teams, Two Blues.

However, life threw him a curveball when he received a serious medical diagnosis at just 27-years-old. In the face of fear and uncertainty, James found solace in Employment Hero’s employee assistance program (EAP), a lifeline that proved invaluable during his challenging journey to recovery.

Facing the unknown with support

When James first received his diagnosis, he grappled with overwhelming thoughts, wondering about the impact on his life and loved ones. He shared, “My first thought was, can I die? But I quickly shook that and immediately went into thinking how my loved ones were going to react. It was daunting.”

Seeking support wasn’t easy, as James courageously admitted, “Getting a cancer diagnosis at 27 is scary. You feel untouchable, yet your world can get turned upside down in a matter of moments. As a young man, there is almost an unspoken stigma that you shouldn’t need to reach out for support, but I knew I needed to look past that and proactively get help.”

Through Employment Hero’s EAP, James connected with an incredible team of psychologists who became his safety net, providing a helping hand whenever he felt overwhelmed. He gratefully acknowledged, “Accessing the EAP was invaluable and the team were incredible. They made the task at hand manageable and kept me from spiralling.”

With the guidance of his psychologist, James developed practical strategies to navigate the unknown. He recalled, “I built a fantastic relationship with my psychologist, Sarah Barker. She really understood how I operate and how I process things. She helped me to understand that it was okay to not feel okay, that I was mentally tough and would get through it. Without Sarah’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to move as swiftly as I did through this process.”

Gaining control of the narrative 

James’ diagnosis and treatment brought complexities, meaning he had to temporarily step away from rugby. Thanks to the EAP’s support, he was able to refocus his competitive energy into work and achieve remarkable success. He shared, “After using the EAP, I was able to take control of my time again, jump back in the gym, swim laps, and go for runs. I was also able to refocus all my competitive energy into work; without the EAP and Employment Hero’s support, that wouldn’t have been possible.”

Today, James stands not only cancer-free and in remission, but also mentally stronger and more resilient than ever. Looking back, he feels grateful that his diagnosis was caught early, and that the EAP helped him courageously conquer chaotic thoughts and navigate his treatment.

He reflected, “As I look back now on the journey I’ve had, I think how truly lucky I was that we got it so early and how grateful I am that life carries on somewhat normal. Without the EAP, I genuinely wouldn’t have coped the same.”

James’ story serves as a testament to the power of providing an EAP to support the wellbeing of your greatest asset – your people.

Provided by Acacia Connect, Employment Hero’s employee assistance program provides your team with access to 24/7 confidential counselling as a workplace benefit. Available in-person or via the phone, an EAP is a great way to support your employees’ mental wellbeing.