Please visit our COVID-19 resources page with more information for business owners and employees.
In a crisis or pandemic, life can seem a little scary.
It’s easy to lose sight of the good in the midst of all the bad. That’s why mental health, positive thinking, and taking care of yourself has never been more important than right now.
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. You may be experiencing increased stress and anxiety. According to mentalhealth.gov, your mental state can impact how you feel, think, act, make decisions, handle stress, and relate to others.
There are ways to help you and your loved ones cope. Here are a few things you can do to support yourself:
- Enjoy activities that make you happy, like painting or playing board games with your family.
- Take time away from watching, reading, or listening to news or social media stories. Continually listening to pandemic-related news can be distressing, so give yourself a break every once and awhile.
- Connect with people via phone call or video chat. Talk to them about your concerns, thoughts, and feelings. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social disconnection!
- Treat your body well. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or stretching.
- Remember to eat healthily, exercise daily, and get plenty of rest.
- Get professional help if you need it. Support is only a phone call away and many mental health professionals are offering telehealth services.
- Being infectious isn’t always bad — positivity is contagious! Spread it by practicing gratitude. Try listing three things you’re grateful for with your friends and family. Stay positive for yourself and those around you!
- Stick to the facts about COVID-19 and don’t speculate. Also, make sure your news sources are reliable.
At Nextep, clients have 24/7 access to mental health support through Teladoc* and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Resources For Living. Log into your Nextep account to access your medical coverage options or the EAP.
Still have questions? Contact your benefits coordinator today at 888.811.5150 or benefits@nextep.com.
*While general medical visits through Teladoc have zero copays until June 4, 2020 for Aetna members, separate fees apply for mental health visits.
Here are additional resources that may help during this challenging period:
National resources
- Resources For Living COVID-19 resources
- Resources For Living caregiver resources
- Aetna members resources
Managing anxiety and stress
- CDC: Managing stress
- Managing COVID-19 anxiety and stress webinar
- Ways to keep CALM webinar
- Ways to stay CALM infographic
- Coping with coronavirus fears
- Coping with COVID-19 for medical staff
- Reduce your stress in 10 minutes or less
For parents and children
- Helping children cope with COVID-19
- You can be a Health Hero! (video for children ages 5-10)
- Things to do with your kids while you’re home together
