Mental Health Awareness Month

In the month of May we are bringing awareness to mental health with our partners Blue Cross Blue Shield.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re changing the way we talk about mental illness to help eliminate stigma. Words matter. By addressing the stigma of mental illness, focusing on mental health, knowing the signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorder, and preventing suicide, we can all make a difference and save lives.

Learn how to talk with a friend or loved one about mental health from our partners at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Long-lasting and overwhelming stress can affect a person’s physical and mental health. Slowing down your breathing can help. Inhale, hold, exhale, hold. Repeat. Did you know Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being offers free weekly webinars and meditation sessions to reduce stress and support your overall well-being? Visit bluecrossvirtualwellbeing.com to learn more.

To read about breaking stress-induced habits, take a look at this related article by Dr. Kristyn Gregory, D.O., medical director of Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health-related distress, reach out to the nearest crisis response provider who, in many cases, can offer immediate therapeutic intervention or mobile crisis response.

• In an emergency, call 911.

• Common Ground Behavioral Health Urgent Care: 248-983-5454 Pine Rest Psychiatric Urgent Care Center: 1-800-678-5500

• Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for crisis support, 24/7.

Learn more about how new crisis services provide support for urgent behavioral health concerns, from our friends at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s MI Blues Perspectives blog.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to understand substance use disorder, how to prevent it and how to help a loved one who’s struggling. Substance use disorder and mental illness often co-occur and can be treated with rehabilitation, medications, talk therapy or support groups. This can be difficult for caretakers or loved ones to navigate, but help is available. If you or someone you love need help, the nearest crisis response provider, in many cases, can offer immediate therapeutic intervention or mobile crisis response.

• In an emergency, call 911.

• Common Ground Behavioral Health Urgent Care: 248-983-5454 Pine Rest Psychiatric Urgent Care Center: 1-800-678-5500.

• Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for crisis support, 24/7. Seeking help for a substance use disorder can lead to significant life-changing results for your health.

Learn how to find a substance use disorder treatment facility in your area on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s MI Blues Perspectives blog.

Suicide is a preventable public health emergency in Michigan and throughout the nation. By addressing mental health stigma, recognizing warning signs and knowing how to communicate with someone considering self-harm, we’re doing our part to prevent suicide. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health-related distress, reach out to the nearest crisis response provider who, in many cases, can offer immediate therapeutic intervention or mobile crisis response.

• In an emergency call 911.

• Common Ground Behavioral Health Urgent Care: 248-983-5454 Pine Rest Psychiatric Urgent Care Center: 1-800-678-5500

• Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for crisis support, 24/7.

Know the warning signs and how to communicate when someone mention self-harm and suicide. Take a look at this article from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s MI Blues Perspectives blog.