Stats and Stigma: It's OK to not be OK
Over 45 million adults in the U.S. have a mental health condition. Whether this applies to you or not, you may be experiencing negative thoughts or feelings from the pandemic, or recent racial tensions across the country. We want you to know that feeling off is normal right now, and you have support with your Blue Cross plan. When you explore any of your mental or behavioral health options, you're making a commitment to be stronger for yourself, and all those around you.
1 in 5
- Adults in the U.S. experience a mental illness each year. And 1 in 25 experience a serious mental illness each year.
- Source: Study cited by the
National Alliance on Mental Illness
More than 1/2
- Of U.S. citizens will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
- Source: Study cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
40%
- Is how much of a higher risk people with depression are when it comes to developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Source: Study cited by the
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Go easy on yourself.
According to a 2019 survey, the majority of Americans agree that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be embarrassed of.
Additional insights on stats and stigma
Online therapy
If you're looking for a convenient way to chat with a mental health professional, give online therapy a try. Also known as teletherapy and telehealth, this option lets you have a face-to-face session from anywhere – including the comfort of your home. Here are your options.
Find an online mental health provider
Your online member account can show you a list of mental health professionals who offer telehealth services like virtual counseling.
log in to find a provider- Scroll down to the Doctors and Hospitals section and choose Find Care.
- Then, select Doctors by Specialty and type in Behavioral Health.
- Finally, filter your results by choosing Telehealth under On Demand Care.
Not sure how to choose the right therapist for you? Check out this blog article.
Use Blue Cross Online Visits℠
You can have a confidential session with a licensed therapist or U.S.-board certified psychiatrist, right through the online visits website or app.
Be sure to include your Enrollee ID when you sign up so your coverage applies correctly. It's on the front of your Blue Cross ID card.
SIGN UP AND GET STARTEDTo see if your plan covers online visits, and how much they may cost, just log in or register for an online member account.
members
In-person therapy
Talking to a mental health professional in person can offer a sense of connection that you may find comforting. If this sounds right for you, give us a call or log in to find a provider who accepts your plan.
Blue Cross PPO: 1-800-762-2382. MA PPO: 1-888-803-4960. BCN HMO Commercial: 1-800-482-5982. BCN Advantage (BCNA): 1-800-431-1059.
log in to find a providerOnce you log in, scroll down to the Doctors and Hospitals section and choose Find Care. Then select Doctors by Specialty and type in Behavioral Health to search.
After you've chosen a mental health professional, be sure to call ahead to find out if they're currently seeing patients in their office. If they are, you should inquire about what safety measures they're taking for COVID-19. And you should continue to take your own safety precautions, too. Read this article from the Mayo Clinic to learn more.
Crisis Assistance
If you feel that your condition is an emergency that’s not life threatening, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for support at 1-800-273-8255. If your situation requires immediate emergency help to prevent death or serious harm to yourself or others, please seek help at the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Watch your drinking.
New studies show that alcohol consumption has increased since the pandemic began. Alcohol can lower your immune system and make existing anxiety or depression worse. Find out if your alcohol use is casual or concerning.
Additional insights on crisis support
Well-being support
As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member, you have access to a variety of free mental health services to help you create a strong mind-body connection. Learn how to regulate your emotions, find joy through pastimes and gain new perspectives.
- Blue Cross® Health
and Well-Being - Powered by WebMD®, this digital health hub allows you to customize your experience and access a variety of online resources. Read more, then log in to get started.
- myStrength
by Livongo® - myStrength by Livongo® is a self-guided, online experience designed to help select members gain perspective during difficult times. See if myStrength is available for you.
- Blue Cross®
Virtual Well-Being - Check out these weekly webinars for a dose of inspiration. Topics include resiliency, meditation, gardening and preparing healthy meals.
Additional insights on well-being support
More resources
Knowledge is power – especially when it comes to your mental health. Learn more by reading our blogs and other articles we've curated for you. Let's be stronger and smarter together.
Hear more from the experts
MI Blues Perspectives Blog
- Have you checked out our blog? It has information to help you strengthen your mental and physical health. Our blog posts are written by a team of writers who work hand-in-hand with medical experts at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. visit our blog
- You can also check out A Healthier MI, another blog powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
