Be Proactive!

Mental health caregivers are reporting a dramatic rise in requests from individuals and families affected by the ongoing health crisis, which is now entering its third year.

Public health authorities are citing an alarming increase in hospitalizations and suicidal thoughts related to pandemic-related stresses.

Clinicians say many more patients are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression and drug abuse since the pandemic’s onset in early 2020. Family and relationship issues also arise with greater frequency.

Children and adolescents have been hit especially hard by school closures, canceled activities and other disruptions of their social development.

Aggravating factors include social isolation, concern for the health of loved ones, and grief arising from the loss of friends and family due to COVID-19. Other factors include loss of income or benefits due to illness or exposure to the virus, as well as social and political divisions which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and measures to counteract it.

As a participant in the Multi Union Security Trust Fund, you have access to mental health benefits under your health plan as well as any employee assistance provider (EAP) benefits offered under your group plan. EAP benefits include a limited number of sessions with a therapist at little to no cost, and it has come to our attention that this benefit is significantly under-used.

If you suspect you or someone in your family has a mental illness, don’t hesitate to call Anthem Blue Cross EAP at (800) 999-7222. Trained personnel are on call 24/7 to provide referrals to mental health professionals and, in some urgent situations, they may be able provide direct assistance over the telephone. All calls are strictly confidential.

A variety of mental health options, including telemedicine, is available to union members. The important thing to realize is you’re not alone. Help is available.

Reports show many more people die annually from suicide than homicide. Responding to this alarming trend, 9-8-8 has been designated as a new three-digit dialing code that will route callers nationwide to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

When people call, text or chat 9-8-8, they will be connected to counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These counselors are trained to listen to people’s problems, provide immediate support and connect them to resources.

9-8-8 is there for people who need help dealing with life issues such as grief, depression, guilt and anxiety, just to name a few. They are also there for those worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The previous Lifeline phone number, (800) 273-8255, will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Other resources of help in a time of crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255

National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233

The Trevor Project
Support to the LGBTQ Young Adult Community
(866) 488-7386

National Alliance on Mental Illness
(800) 950-6264

Veterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255