If you suspect someone is actively suicidal, always seek emergency medical help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Continue reading {Guest blog} What to say to someone struggling with their mental health
Approaching someone who is struggling can be difficult, but it’s worth the discomfort to help save a life. Ask Ask the person if they think about dying or killing themselves. Don’t hesitate to do this – asking will not put the idea in their head, nor will it make them more likely to attempt suicide. Listen Start a conversation with the person and listen without … Continue reading {Guest blog} How to help someone with suicidal thoughts
At the end of the day, many people have trouble turning off their mind. In fact, it seems all the things they were too busy to think about during the day (i.e. relationships, money, work) hang over them and cause their mind to race when they should be going to sleep. When this begins to happen repeatedly, it can become a vicious cycle of anxiety … Continue reading Falling asleep with anxiety
Since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the nation and the world has seen significant changes to daily living. While social distancing, quarantine and isolation help prevent the spread of infectious disease, these same practices may impact your mental health in a negative way. Common reactions Everybody reacts differently to stressful situations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience anxiety, worry or … Continue reading {Guest blog} Suicide awareness month – how to cope with social distancing, quarantine & isolation
We all have good days and bad days when it comes to being productive and knocking out that to-do list. But sometimes you just feel stuck. That feeling and lack of motivation can put a strain on your mental health. The secret to being productive every day is in your ability to determine how your time breaks down, set goals that best utilize the time … Continue reading {Guest blog} Find the motivation to get things done
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to make sure our members and employees have access to the behavioral health resources they need. People who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, such as a car accident, military action, a terrorist attack, sexual violation, serious injury, or any act of violence can suffer severe stress as a result. Some people can … Continue reading {Guest blog} Steps toward healing from post-traumatic stress disorder
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to make sure our members and employees have access to the behavioral health resources they need. We all carry on a continuous internal dialogue with ourselves. This is known as “self-talk” and it impacts how we perceive situations. Sometimes, people use self-talk to say things to themselves they would never say out loud to … Continue reading {Guest blog} Positive self-talk
It’s normal to feel worried during times of stress, and many people struggle with anxiety in the best of times. Those feelings have been amplified for many during these unusual times we are living through together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some steps you can take to manage anxiety and lower your stress. Get the facts. Go to trusted sources. Check the Centers for … Continue reading {Guest blog} Managing anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak
