Loading...Loading...It can be hard to maintain balance during the best of times. Layer on the uncertainty of the COVID-19 emergency, and even the most rock solid among us may need support.
Luckily, your Regence health plan may offer access to behavioral health and substance use services—from one-time check-ins to ongoing care. And there’s no need to worry about exposing yourself to germs: Care is available virtually through telehealth. If you’d prefer, there are also in-person visits and support group options.
Through all of this, remember: You come first. Taking care of your own emotional health will help you manage your physical health, and help you better support your loved ones.
Read on for helpful mental health tips from our medical and behavioral health experts, as well as go-to resources for immediate support.
Take breaks from the news
Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and cause anxiety. It’s a good idea to take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media.
Treat your body well
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
- Though stress can make you want to relax with substances, try to avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind
Whether it’s sitting down with a cup of tea, relaxing with a favorite book, or dipping your brush into watercolors, find some activities you enjoy. Set aside time each day to focus on them, uninterrupted.
Connect with others
Pick up the phone (or video chat) with family or friends who you trust. Open up to them about your concerns and your emotional health.
Look out for these warning signs that may mean it’s time to seek support from a professional:
Increased feelings of hopelessness or a negative outlook about your future
Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
Significant difficulty concentrating or completing usual tasks such as work or family responsibilities
Withdrawing from people or activities that you once enjoyed
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Eating food or drinking alcohol in amounts that could be harmful to your health. Our own Dr. Amy Khan shares tips in this video to help gauge unhealthy patterns of alcohol use.
It’s especially important right now to reach out to friends or relatives who live alone. If you’re healthy and mobile, you can also offer to help people with grocery shopping or picking up medications.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with substance use, here are some resources to help you get immediate support:
Help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
1-800-985-5990 | TTY: 1 (800) 846-8517 | Text TalkWithUs to 66746
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
1 (800) 799-7233 | TTY: 1 (800) 787-3224 | Text LOVEIS to 22522
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
1 (800) 273-8255 | TTY: 1 (800) 799-4889