Tips to take good care of your mental health
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 8, 2024
Tips to take good care of your mental health
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 8, 2024
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. By age 40, 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness.
As one of Canada’s leading health solutions providers, Medavie Blue Cross understands the complexities of mental health and we want all Canadians to be healthy.
With this in mind, here are some tips and tools to help you and your loved ones care for your mental health.
How to protect your mental health
Find support
- If you feel like you are struggling with your mental health, talk to your doctor. experiencing. Tell them how you have been feeling and for how long. Your doctor may be able to recommend coping strategies or refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
- If your benefit plan includes an Employee Assistance Program, you may have easy to access support for depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues. Certified counsellors are available to help you 24/7.
- A quick and easy way to check in on your mental health is to use CMHA’s Mental Health Meter. Although this is not a scientific test or substitute for professional advice, it can help you see how you’re truly feeling.
Healthy habits
- Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and feel better. Try to stay active everyday by doing something you enjoy, whether it’s taking your dog for a walk, going to the gym, or following an exercise video.
- Healthy eating can make us feel better and improve our mood. While it’s tempting to reach for junk food when feeling anxious or down, try to choose healthy fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water.
- Be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Proper rest can both help reduce the amount of stress we experience and prepare us to better manage stress. Try relaxation strategies and meditation to help you sleep well and reduce stress.
- Take time each day to unplug from your electronics, including phones, tablets, and computers. Disconnect from social media and do something fun and healthy, be it a bike ride through the neighbourhood or a hobby you love.
Find connections
- Remember that you are not alone — many people struggle with their mental health and are having similar experiences. Anxiety, depression, and fear are universal emotions but they do need to be managed if they interfere with your life.
- It’s important to stay connected with people you know and trust and who are positive influences. A simple chat by phone, lunch with a friend, or text messaging can go a long way in lowering your stress and lifting your spirits.
- Remember that depression and anxiety are forms of mental illness — and should be treated like any other illness. There is no shame in seeking treatment. During high-stress periods, you may turn to distress lines, online support groups, or resources in your community.
How Medavie Blue Cross can help
As one of Canada’s leading health solutions partners, we offer various online options to give you quick and easy access to expert care.
- Our digital care platform, Connected Care, offers several Mental Wellness services and supports, including video and text therapy.
- Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can help you build skills to manage your thoughts and feelings.
- Our mindfulness app offers a catalogue of meditations to help you feel less stress, get better sleep, and improve your overall health.
You can find more mental health tools on our website. These range from our Employee and Family Assistance Program, inConfidence, to our wellness portal, Health Connected.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately. You can also call Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
Sources:
• LifeWorks
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...