How to cope with summertime blues

2-minute read

Summer can bring its own stresses. Record-breaking heat, travel costs and adjusting to longer days may cause irritability, anxiety and even a case of the blues, according to Psychology Today. This could also be a symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but in reverse. SAD is known as a wintertime disorder caused by a variety of factors that affect our moods. However, some people might feel it in the summer. Whatever the case may be, here are some resources that may help.

Options for HealthSelect Medicare Advantage members

Virtual Behavioral Visits

With Virtual Behavioral Visits, you can connect with your provider by computer, tablet or smartphone—in the comfort of your home. HealthSelect^SM Medicare Advantage PPO plan participants can access Virtual Behavioral Visits at a $0 copay.

Licensed behavioral health professionals can provide treatment for:

• Stress or anxiety
• Depression
• Anger management
• Substance abuse
• Trauma and loss
• Addiction

Introducing Self Care from AbleTo

HealthSelect Medicare Advantage PPO plan participants can access Self Care from AbleTo, an online self-help tool anytime—and at no additional cost. Access self-care techniques, coping tools, meditations and more. They also have their own mobile app once you get set up.

With Self Care, you will get:

• Daily mood tracking
  Answer daily questions to record your current mood, identify patterns and self-assess your progress
• Meditation tools
  Explore classic methods of relaxation—like deep breathing and positive visualization
• Collections
  Build life skills with curated content, tools and resources
• Personalized roadmap
  Track your progress, set goals and make strides through weekly check-ins

Ready to get started? Visit ableto.com/begin and have your HealthSelect MAPPO plan ID card handy. Follow the steps to sign up and begin your self-care journey!

Questions?

• HealthSelect Medicare Advantage members: Call (855) 853-0453 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT; Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT, (TTY: 711).

Options for HealthSelect of Texas, HealthSelect Out-of-State, HealthSelect Secondary and Consumer Directed HealthSelect participants

As part of your HealthSelect medical plan benefits, you have options for mental health care. A good first step is to reach out to your primary care provider (PCP). Referrals are not required for mental health services, but your PCP can help you find the best type of mental health provider for your concerns. You also have access to:

• In-office mental health visits (Telemedicine may be available with certain providers.)
• Mental health Virtual Visits through Doctor On Demand^® and MDLIVE^®
• Mental health care management
• 24/7 Mental Health Line (provides resources in crisis situations)

Find out how to make the most of your mental health benefits.

Questions?

• HealthSelect of Texas^® members: Call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT.

Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs help right away, call 911 or one of the emergency numbers listed below.

• Substance Abuse Helpline: (855) 780-5955
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 (TTY: (800) 787-3224)
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat for 24-hour, toll-free confidential support
• The Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 74141 or visit crisistextline.org for more information