Nurture Your Mental Health

Nurture Your Mental Health

We’re all familiar with what we should do to improve our physical health. We know that it’s important to exercise, eat right and get enough sleep to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know that your mental health is just as critical for your overall well-being?

Just as you take steps to protect your physical health, you can also make an effort to safeguard your mental health. Learning to recognize the warning signs is an important first step. Millions of Americans are dealing with mental health issues. It’s OK to seek help.

Mental health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* (CDC), mental health can affect how we feel, the choices we make, and how we relate to friends and family. It affects our physical health, too. Mental health problems can put us at greater risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Overcoming the stigma

People are sometimes embarrassed to seek help for their mental health. Luckily, that stigma is fading as more people realize the importance of mental health.

If you are facing a mental health issue, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. The first step is to notice the signs of a potential concern. Here are just a few common symptoms from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services*:

  • Extreme worry or feelings of fear
  • Lack of interest in usual activities
  • Confusion, forgetfulness or difficulty focusing
  • Mood swings
  • Feelings of anger
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, energy levels or social habits

Suicide prevention

Thoughts of suicide often come along with mental health issues. Sadly, suicide is all too common in the United States. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, take it seriously and respond quickly. 

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis helpline by dialing 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Reach out for help

There is no one-size-fits-all mental health treatment, but help is available! Talk to your doctor about next steps. 

Here are some other helpful resources:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness* helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264) or, in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 988 or chat at www.988Lifeline.org.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration* Treatment Referral Helpline: 877-726-4727. In a crisis, call or text 988. 

Your mental health can have a major impact on your overall well-being. Make sure you nurture your mental health to keep living a healthy and happy life. 

*The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are independent organizations that offer health information you may find helpful.

 

BlueChoice HealthPlan Member Resources

There are numerous mental health resources available to you over the phone or online. No matter where you are in life, we've got you covered!

Great Expectations® for Health

You have access to Great Expectations for health programs that can help with behavioral health. Whether visiting with a care manager by phone or using a digital, self-service option, you can enroll in these behavioral health programs:

  • Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety management
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Recovery support for substance use disorder
  • Stress management

To learn more and download resources:

  1. Log in to My Health Toolkit®.
  2. Select the Wellness & Care Management tab.
  3. Select Wellness Programs.
  4. Select Health Coaching.

To enroll, call us at 855-838-5897.

First Sun EAP

First Sun EAP provides a broad array of services that can help you be your best self. You and your family members can access sessions for individual, couples and family counseling. These sessions address the following issues:

  • Personal concerns
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma issues
  • Anger management
  • Marital/relationship issues
  • Family conflict
  • Stress management
  • Spiritual concerns
  • Alcohol/substance use
  • Workplace concerns
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Dedicated professionals are available to serve you. Call 800-968-8143. For more detailed information about your benefits — plus helpful articles, assessments, webinars, videos, etc. — visit www.FirstSunEAP.com.

The employee assistance program is offered by First Sun. Because First Sun is a separate company from BlueChoice, First Sun is solely responsible for all services related to individual assistance programs.