May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This year Mental Health Awareness month coincides with one of the most complex times in U.S. history, the Coronavirus pandemic.

This pandemic has not only impacted the physical health of so many, but also the mental and emotional health of our population, especially our caregivers on the front-line.

Many of us are experiencing anxiety and worry about the safety of ourselves, our colleagues, and our families, financial hardships, and forced isolation from others.

You are not alone. Everyone experiences challenges daily that have an impact on their mental health. All of us need a little help sometimes managing our stress and improving our psychological well-being.

Below is a guide outlining many different tools and resources available to support you, while maintaining a social distance from others.

Join the Our Healthy Lifestyle Microsoft Teams Page to virtually engage with your health coaches and colleagues about all things health and wellness. The health coaches provide:

  • Weekly virtual stretch breaks for a quick break to decompress right at your desk.
  • Daily postings with articles and information on topics ranging from fitness to managing stress and anxiety, meditation, healthy nutrition tips, and more.
  • A virtual community supportive of the health and wellbeing of our caregivers.

We know taking care of others all day can make it tough for you to take care of yourself. That’s why in response to COVID-19, we're adding a new way for you and your household members to reach out for support.

You and each member of your household can use Talkspace to work with a therapist from just about anywhere. It’s free and secure for you to use. Talkspace can help you:

  • Adapt to changes around COVID-19
  • Manage stress and other issues
  • Make time for self-care
  • Process emotions your job may trigger

How it works: You and your household members can call today and any day until July 22 to get started with Talkspace.

1-800-701-0779 | TTY: 771

COVID-19 response is bringing a lot of changes to our lives, including stress and anxiety. Aetna’s Resources For Living has put together resources to help you cope during this challenging time. There are weekly webinar series, self-help assessments, and articles in the online resource center.

Resourcesforliving.com | Username: ChristianaCare | Password: EAP

Contact Care for the Caregiver (Vocera #1239) to receive peer support during COVID-19 regarding isolation, fear of contracting COVID-19, stigma about being a healthcare provider, burnout, etc. If you or a family member would like to speak with someone from the Behavioral Health team for 24/7 peer emotional support for COVID-related concerns, contact Care for the Caregiver (Vocera #1239) and include “BH team” in the message. Callers may remain anonymous.

Online Mental Health Screening (Click here for more details.)

Please note: online screening tools are meant to provide a quick snapshot of your mental health. Any findings are not a diagnosis, and if your results indicate that you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options and how to feel better.

Self-Help Podcasts to Give a Listen

(These podcasts are not intended to take the place of therapy or any other medical intervention, they are intended to provide support and encouragement as you work through the recovery process.)

The Joy of Procrastination – By removing the shame associated with procrastination, Dean Jackson & Dan Sullivan help listeners develop tools for using procrastination in a positive way.
Beyond the To-Do List – Host, Erik Fisher talks with guests on all aspects of productivity in order to reach the end goal of living a meaningful life.
The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast – Host and psychologist, Robert Duff knows a thing or two about living with and treating mental health conditions. He also knows how to answer questions about anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, perfectionism, PTSD, eating disorders, and countless other topics.
Not Another Anxiety Show – Host, Kelli Walker interviews psychologists, doctors, and other experts to give listeners guidance and practical tips on managing the day-to-day struggles that come with living with all ends of the anxiety spectrum.
The Recovery Warrior Show – Your monthly dose of motivation and inspiration to help guide you through the recovery process from an eating disorder.
Terrible, Thanks for Asking – Host, Nora McInerny shares her personal stories of loss, and interviews guests to explore issues around emotions, trauma, loss, mental health, finding community, hope, and happiness after grieving.
Grief Out Loud – Through expert tips from bereavement professionals and personal stories from the real people she interviews, host, Jana DeCristofaro brings awareness to the importance of talking about grief.
What it Takes – This podcast shares stores of perseverance from some of the most famous visionaries and leaders of all time.
The Habit Coach – Each episode is centered around tips and motivation that encourage you to create new habits that impact your daily life. Host, Ashdin Doctor covers topics like nutrition, fitness, health, sleep, and productivity.
Food Heaven – Each Wednesday, you can get the most up-to-date information about all things food, health and nutrition. Co-hosts Wendy and Jess are both registered dieticians with master’s degrees in nutrition, and they are also BFF’s who share a passion for helping people live a happier life.
Recovery Unscripted – A podcast powered by Foundations Recovery Network, takes a deep dive into the most complex topics related to addiction and recovery.
Where Should We Begin – Host and relationship therapist, Esther Perel tackles complex issues many of us face with our partner including communication, infertility, trauma, regret, and so much more.
The Chasing Joy Podcast – Host, Georgie Morley explores a new topic each week related to spirituality, wellness, and personal growth that leave you feeling more joyful, energetic, and focused on your journey.
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations – A weekly dose of inspiration and spiritual awakening.

Additional Resources provided by the Center for Work life Wellbeing:

Mindfulness for Caregivers - Hosted by the Center for Worklife Wellbeing – provides information, resources, and a community supportive of emotional well-being. Click here for more details.

OASIS Rooms: Visit one of the 10 OASIS rooms for a brief respite to pause, de-stress, and recover. OASIS rooms are a shared resource for all caregivers. Click here to find locations and directions for all rooms.

Well-being Texts: Text “CWW TEXT” to 56512 to receive daily wellbeing tips throughout the pandemic.