Beat the Holiday Blues

Originially published in The Pulse, December

2021

MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS NEEDED HEALTH CARE

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Medication, counseling or both can help you manage any issues you may be facing.

MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT

People, including children and adolescents, with untreated mental health disorders are at high risk for many unhealthy and unsafe behaviors, including alcohol or drug abuse, violent or selfdestructive actions, and suicide. Mental health disorders also have a serious impact on physical health and are associated with the prevalence, progression and outcome of some of today’s most pressing chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Fortunately, several mental health disorders can be treated effectively. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the disease burden of mental health disorders as well as associated chronic diseases. Assessing and addressing mental health remains important to help ensure a longer, healthier life

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

It’s important to know that you’re not alone if you’re suffering from any one of several mental health issues. In fact, they’re likely more common than you think. The CDC reports: • more than 50% of people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime • 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness or issue in any given year • 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness • 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious

mental illness, such a schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression The five most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse and attention deficit disorder. Others include: • bipolar, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders • neurocognitive disorders and dementia • obsessive compulsive and related disorders • personality disorders • difficulty sleeping or nightmares • physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes • worsening chronic health problems

TRS-ACTIVECARE AND TRS-CARE STANDARD RESOURCES

Every TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard plan provides confidential mental health coverage.

certified drug and alcohol abuse counselors for adults 18 and older through your TRS Virtual Health via Teladoc®. You can also access other mental health providers directly through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

TRS-ACTIVECARE

To make an appointment with a mental health provider: • Make a virtual appointment withTRS-Care Standard

Teladoc. • You can also download the app: Teladoc app from the

Apple Store or Teladoc mobile app from Google Play Store or call 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) for help from a customer service representative. • Log in to Blue Access for MembersSM to find an innetwork therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health specialist. • Call a Personal Health Guide at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App to get help finding a doctor or making an appointment.

More Helpful Resources

Below you’ll find links to more information about mental health, including specific conditions. Learn about risk factors, what to look for and how to get help if you need it.

• TRS-Care Standard Mental Health Coverage - Important details about your plan’s copays, coinsurance and more • TRS-Care Standard Sign of Depression - How to know if it’s temporary sadness or if you should seek help • TRS-Care Standard All About Anxiety - The most common mental health issue often goes untreated • TRS-Care Standard Looking Out for Loved Ones - How to spot the signs of mental illness in others • TRS-Care Standard Self-Care - Tips for taking care of yourself

Let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard to put yourself first and add to that, the stress of knowing that there’s still some stigma about mental health care. In fact, the average delay between when mental health issues start and when people finally get help is 11 years.

Don’t wait! The time is now to start thinking about your mental health. You have the resources at your fingertips, so take advantage of them and start focusing your time and energy where it belongs: on meeting your health and wellness goals.

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Need emotional support? Call UnitedHealthcare’s Behavioral Health Services at 1-800-453-8440, TTY 711, 24 hours a day, seven, days a week. You will be connected to a trained specialist who will listen and help you identify the nature of your problem and find the right resources to address it. Feeling stressed or sad and want to explore tips on your own, get professional advice virtually or chat with others? Try the Sanvello™ mobile app for on-demand support with things such as: • anxiety • depression • stress Track your daily mood, access coping tools, build life skills and connect with peer communities. You have free 24/7 premium access when you register using your insurance information. Download the app: Sanvello appl from the Apple App Store® or Sanvello appl from Google Play™ to get started today. Have an ongoing mental or behavioral health concern and looking for long-term support from a behavioral health professional? Connect with a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist for long-term, ongoing support. With Virtual Behavioral Health Visits, you’re able to live video chat with a behavioral health specialist from your computer, tablet or smartphone — any time, day or night. Services include initial evaluation, medication management and ongoing counseling. All you need is a strong internet connection. You will first need to set up an account at www.uhcvirtualvisits.com and then schedule an appointment. • Looking for additional behavioral health resources? Visit

United Healthcare’s Let’s Move page for helpful tips and information to help you beat the blues during the holidays and beyond. Not sure where to begin or have questions about how to find a provider? Contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday.