MIBluesPerspectives Mental Health Toolkit
Amy Barczy
| 3 min read
Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored...
Mental health has never been more important. With all the changes in our world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a stressful time. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, it’s never too late to prioritize self-care and seek help. A wealth of resources is available here on MIBluesPerspectives.com – all reviewed by doctors at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Mental Health During the Pandemic
While a sense of grief is to be expected as our daily routines have been disrupted, understand that continued isolation and social disruption could cause depression and other mental health issues to flare up.
- Feeling Off is Normal Right Now
- Grieving Our Pre-Coronavirus Routines
- How Isolation Can Affect Mental Health
- Is a Mental Health Crisis on the Horizon? Factors Related to COVID-19 Make it Likely
- Pandemic Perspective: Navigating an Uncertain Future
Help is Available
Seeking help is the first step.
- Dispelling the Top 4 Myths About Talking to a Therapist
- Finding Support After Losing a Loved One to Suicide
- Seeking Mental Health Care: Advice from People Who’ve Been There
- The Importance of Speaking Up About Your Mental Health Struggles
- What is it Like to Call a Crisis Line?
Virtual behavioral health care has expanded due to the pandemic – removing physical barriers to access.
- Finding Online Mental Health Resources During COVID-19
- Meeting Substance Use Disorder Needs Virtually
- Telehealth Improves Access, Convenience for Patients
- Virtual Treatment: Online Support Options Helping People with Substance Use Disorders
Understand Your Health Plan Coverage
Finding help often starts by finding a provider in your health insurance network.
Members with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan insurance seeking help can find providers, including those participating in telehealth programs, by calling the BCBSM Behavioral Health Services phone number on the back of their member I.D. card. Blue Care Network members can call the number on the back of their insurance card, (800) 482-5982 24/7, and get referrals for providers conducting telehealth groups related to COVID-19. The call center clinical team will direct members with information and referrals. If you don’t have health coverage, there are resources available to help:
Solutions to Manage Stress and Anxiety
Prioritizing self-care can help you manage your stress and anxiety. Here are some ways to incorporate stress management techniques into your everyday life:
- Building Resilience: How to Flex Your Mental Muscle
- Find the Motivation to Get Things Done
- Good Mood Foods: What to Eat to Feel Fantastic
- How Yoga Breathing Can Reduce Your Stress Level
- Managing Social Anxiety During and After COVID-19
- Mental Health and Movement: How Running Boosts Your Mood
- Relax Your Mind with These Popular Meditation Styles
- Tips for Staying Substance-Free During a Pandemic
- Using Your 5 Senses to Calm Anxiety
Mental Health at Home
Families with children are making difficult choices about how to approach school this year due to the pandemic.
- Meeting the Unique Needs of Students During Pandemic
- Preparing Children for a New School Year in a Pandemic
- Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Michigan Students
Mental Health at Work
Employers are in a unique position to take a holistic approach to the health of their workers with supports that prioritize mental and physical health.
- Blue Cross Offers Employers Mental Health Support
- Meeting the Unique Mental Health Needs of Health Care Workers
Learn More About Mental Health
There are many factors that affect our mental health, and much work to do to end the stigma about seeking help.
- Combating Suicide and Addiction Through Community Partnerships
- How You Can Help #EndTheStigma of Mental Health Conditions
- Mental Health Disparities by Race
- Misconceptions People Have About Suicide
- Rise in Overdose Deaths During the Pandemic
- Understanding the Link Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Suicide
- Understanding the Link Between Opioid Use and Suicide
- When Happiness is Hard: The Facts About Summertime Depression
Photo credit: Nicola Katie
