This time of year, you might see reminders to check in with yourself or to prioritize your mental wellness, but what exactly does that look like? When it comes to your mental health, it’s important to recognize when you need support and know where to find it while continuing to have conversations about mental well-being.
These days, conversations about mental health have become more common — whether it’s discussions about feeling burned out at work or the effects of social media. However, there is still a stigma around prioritizing mental health. Some people hesitate to seek professional help out of fear of being judged, while others do not believe they need support. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and while mental health challenges are common, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The importance of accessible mental health support
Accessibility remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health care for many people. Traditional therapy may feel out of reach due to cost, scheduling issues, or a lack of nearby providers. The good news is that mental health resources have expanded in recent years, making it easier to get the help you need in a way that works for you.
- Telehealth and virtual therapy: Virtual therapy platforms allow you to connect with licensed professionals from the comfort of your home. No need to make a long drive or sit in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. Telehealth services offer several remote services while teletherapy focuses solely on mental health.
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Many workplaces offer low-cost or no-cost mental health services for their employees. If you feel overwhelmed by work stress or personal issues, check to see if your employer offers mental health benefits.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in a crisis, the 988 hotline offers confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost. Trained counselors are available to provide help and connect callers with local mental health resources.
Nurturing mental health in everyday life
Taking care of your mental health does not always mean scheduling a therapy appointment or calling a crisis hotline. While those resources are valuable, mental well-being is also shaped by small, everyday choices. This could mean setting boundaries at your job, unplugging from social media, or simply chatting with a friend.
You should also take the time to check in on loved ones and the people around you. Many people struggle in silence, not wanting to bring others down with their problems. Simply asking someone, “Hey, how are you doing?” can open the door for them to share what they are going through. If they need help beyond what you can offer, gently encourage them to seek professional help.
While the month of May shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health, the conversation should not end when the month is over. Prioritizing mental well-being is a year-round effort. Whether you are taking advantage of available resources, advocating for mental health in your community, or checking in on a friend who may be struggling, every step matters. It is crucial to keep talking, supporting, and caring for ourselves and each other.
Don’t wait to vaccinate: The importance of EPSDT and preventive care
With measles outbreaks making headlines in the last few months, parents may be wondering how to keep their children safe. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. This disease spreads when a person with a measles infection breathes, coughs, or sneezes.1 Measles can cause serious complications, especially in children. Nearly 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.2
Measles is preventable with routine childhood vaccinations, which AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees can receive under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services at no cost. EPSDT services make sure that children and teens receive necessary preventive care. EPSDT visits include:
- A physical exam
- Growth and development checks
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Any necessary vaccines, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Blood work
- A mental health check
- Additional information to help keep your child healthy
AmeriHealth Caritas DC makes it easy for parents and their children to access EPSDT services. For help finding a provider, scheduling an appointment for your child, or getting transportation to appointments, contact the Community Outreach Solutions (COS) team at 202-216-2318.
Protecting your child’s health starts with prevention — schedule their checkup today!
Sources
- “Measles,” World Health Organization, November 14, 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles.
- “Measles Symptoms and Complications,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 9, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html.
All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model