Mental Health Awareness Month 2022

This email was sent to our team members on May 13, 2022, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The last few years have taken a toll on all of us. With ongoing uncertainty about the economy, staffing shortages, and political and social upheaval, it is not surprising that mental health issues among Americans continue to rise. In fact, Mental Health America reports that nearly 20% of Americans report suffering from mental illness. Closer to home, Pennsylvania ranks eighth among states with adults suffering from mental illness. 

Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Together For Mental Health with a vision of “a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives.” 

For many, discussing mental health concerns, either for themselves or others, invokes fear, confusion, and isolation. In an average year, fewer than half of adults in the U.S. who experience mental illness seek help. 

Mental illness affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Addressing the symptoms that may signify a problem can lead to successful treatment. When mental illness remains untreated, the symptoms (highlighted in the graphic) can worsen and negatively impact a person's well-being.

This link provides additional information to better understand what depression is.

• HE&R Healthcare Benefits:
  • Employees who participate in our medical plan have coverage for inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse care. Providers can be found by selecting the "Find Care" link on the Highmark app or by logging in to your account at highmarkblueshield.com. Highmark also offers, through their partnership with Share Care, an app to provide participants with secure and personalized insights, information, daily tracking, programs, and health tools to live their healthiest life.
  • Employees and their families can use the HE&R Employee Assistance Program or 1-800-492-4357 to access a variety of confidential mental health, substance abuse, and other wellbeing topics and resources.
• Other Resources:
  • PA Support & Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741741
  • For information and resources on Children’s Mental Health, visit the CDC website. 
  • Contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (free and available 24/7) 

We hope this is the start of an ongoing conversation about mental health awareness. Please do not be afraid to reach out to someone you love and trust for help.