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!
- Blue CareOnDemand<sup>SM</sup> Powered by MDLIVE®
Need to see a doctor, but don’t have time for an office visit? With Blue CareOnDemand Powered by MDLIVE, you can consult with a doctor by phone or video any time, day or night.
You can avoid long waits and high costs by using Blue CareOnDemand. In an online visit, you can connect one-on-one with a therapist to talk about issues such as anxiety and depression.
To learn more:
- 1. Log in to My Health Toolkit®.
- Select the Providers & Services tab.
- Select Blue CareOnDemand.
MDLIVE is an independent company that provides a telehealth platform on behalf of BlueChoice®. Blue CareOnDemand is not a replacement for your primary care doctor. You should continue scheduling office visits for regular checkups and preventive care. For true emergencies and life-threatening issues, go to the emergency room or call 911. The cost of Blue CareOnDemand visits varies by visit type and provider selected and is subject to plan benefits. Copyright © 2024 MDLIVE Inc. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE Inc.
- 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:
- Log in to My Health Toolkit®.
- Select the Wellness & Care Management tab.
- Select Wellness Programs.
- Select Health Coaching.
To enroll, call us at 855-838-5897.