Taking care of your mental health doesn’t just mean self-care Sundays and morning yoga. While those things may be helpful, it’s also normal to need support from a doctor, counselor or other resource. Just like with your physical health, there are screenings for specific mental health conditions that can help your doctor determine the best course of action for you.
Why Mental Healthcare Matters
Mental health is about more than whether or not you have a mental illness – it includes the way you think, feel and act. Mental healthcare is important because:
Your mental health affects different parts of your life. When you’re not feeling like yourself, it can be harder to focus at work, maintain positive relationships and even just care for yourself. In 2020, 61% of people reported that their productivity was affected by mental health.
Accurate diagnoses can help you get the care you need. Taking care of your mental health may mean getting an accurate diagnosis for what you are feeling. When you have a better understanding of your mental health, you can make the best plan for you to make sure your feeling supported.
When It’s Time to Ask For Help
Knowing when it’s time to get support for your mental health can be tricky. It really depends on you, but some examples might include:
- You are feeling overwhelmingly sad, hopeless or anxious
- You’re managing painful or difficult emotions with alcohol, drugs or other addictive means
- You or a loved one is living with a chronic health condition
- You notice changes in your sleeping habits
- You’re undergoing big changes in life
- You recently lost a loved one or close friend
- You feel like you need to talk with someone
If you are noticing differences in your mood or relationships, it might be a good time to seek support. Support can come from friends and family or a confidential resource, like a doctor or counselor.
How First Stop Health Can Help
Our doctors and counselors are here to provide support for your mental health. If your employer or school provides First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care, our doctors can help with:
- Wellness checkups: Your physical health and mental health are connected. Stay up-to-date on your health.
- Diagnosis & screenings: Your virtual primary care doctor can diagnose depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and more. If you already have a diagnosis, your doctor can provide continued care, as well.
- Treatments: Treatment for certain mental health conditions can include prescriptions*, lifestyle recommendations, referrals to in-network therapists and more.
If you have First Stop Health Virtual Counseling, our counselors can provide short-term support via phone or video. Virtual counseling is:
- Confidential and unbiased: If it’s on your mind, our counselors are ready to listen. Get support for anxiety, depression, grief, substance use and more.
- Available from where you’re comfortable: Talk to a counselor from home via phone or video
Ready to focus on your mental health? Use the Mental Health Awareness Tool Kit below to learn more about mental health and how you can take action today.
Mental Health Awareness Toolkit:
Care you will love
First Stop Health, our telemedicine service available to Alliance health plan participants, provides 24/7 virtual treatment and care from U.S.-based and licensed physicians for various health concerns. From the flu to a bug bite, First Stop Health is just a click away, saves participants health-care dollars, and provides top-notch service. They believe access to health care should be convenient, affordable, and transparent.
