blue bulletin from bcidaho

Mental health management tips

Small steps to help you get your mental health on track

If you are feeling chronic anxiety or symptoms of depression, you may want to speak to a mental health provider. Mental health providers can help you set up a care plan to help manage your symptoms. Mental health is an important part of your overall health and paying attention to it can help improve your wellbeing.

mental health management tipsFind a mental health provider

There are many things to consider when you are looking for a mental health provider. Here are a few ways you can narrow your search:

  • Consider the qualities you want in a provider. Do you want a provider who is close to work or home? Do you want a provider who has a similar cultural background?
  • Think of your provider’s professional background and treatment approaches. Do you want to see a therapist or psychiatrist? Therapists focus on talk therapy for treatment, whereas psychiatrists help rule out possible medical causes for your symptoms, provide medication management and some also provide talk therapy.
  • Use an in-network provider. All providers are thoroughly vetted and regularly reviewed to make sure our members get the best care. Visiting an in-network provider will also help you get the most out of your benefits and save money on your out-of-pocket costs.

You can find a mental health provider by using our Blue Cross of Idaho member app or selecting the Find Care tool on our member portal. Make sure you are logged in so that you see providers in your network.

Keep follow-up appointments

Make sure that you go to your follow-up appointments with your mental health provider, as well as any other providers you have. If you can’t make a scheduled appointment time, reschedule for a time that is more convenient for you.

Follow-up appointments also help your providers check in on your progress and health to see if they need to make any changes to your care plan. You should also talk with your providers about any treatments or services you are getting with other providers so they can better coordinate your care.

Additionally, be sure to follow up with your providers, ideally within a week after any hospital admission, and to tell them about any medication changes. When you’re admitted to a hospital, sometimes your medications or the dosage may change. It may still need to be adjusted for your best recovery once you leave the hospital. Let your providers know if you had any changes to your medications.

Make small habit changes

In addition to meeting with a mental health provider, here are a few simple things you can do every day to help you manage your mental health:

  • Exercise for at least 150 (two-and-a-half hours) minutes each week
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
  • Get a good night’s sleep by sticking to a regular sleep schedule
  • Find time to do things you enjoy, such as reading, getting outside or doing a hobby
  • Spend time with friends and family to strengthen your support network

Stay on track

Mental health problems can make it difficult to feel like you’re in control. But with consistent effort to improve how you manage your mental health, you can start to focus more of your attention on spending time with your loved ones and doing things that bring you joy. 

Helpful resources

If you or someone you know are struggling with mental illness or a substance use disorder, here are some resources that can help you get support:

Posted: January 25, 2023