Healthy Mind
It is not a secret that we often feel physically better, when our emotional health is also in optimal condition. When we are feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, hopeless, or are experiencing mental health disorders, our physical health also suffers.
When our mental health is taken care of, we tend to sleep better, eat better, be more active, engage in healthier relationships, and have a more satisfying and safer sexual life. We are also less likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and illicit drug use. We tend to keep up with our medical appointments more and it seems easier to plan ahead and follow up on important tasks.
Our mental health is important for our own wellbeing, as well as that of any children we are either raising now or might have in the future.
Your health matters: here are some tips and resources for you to achieve the best possible mental health!
Mental Wellness
When feeling stressed, overwhelmed and out of control, it is important to remember that you are not alone and it will not last forever...even though it might sometimes feel like it. Taking good care of your mental wellbeing is important before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as throughout your life course regardless of whether you might want to become pregnant some day! Here are some ideas and resources you may want to consider trying out or reaching out to:
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It is helpful to learn healthy coping strategies that you can use when feeling stressed. Here are some suggestions.
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If you are employed, ask your human resources department or manager about your company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs are a common employee benefit program that confidentially help employees (and their loved ones) with personal problems and/or work-related issues that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being.
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Husky Health Connecticut members can take advantage of an array of mental health services covered by their insurance. These services can be accessed through the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership. Examples of providers in the program are psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, substance abuse counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Members may call 877.552.8247 for more information.
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Are you pregnant or parenting and need support from a mental health professional or a peer who can understand what you are going through? Look no further! Visit the Connecticut Chapter of Postpartum Support International for resources in your area.
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If you need to talk to someone immediately, you can call the FREE National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can call this number for any of these reasons:
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Call to speak with someone who cares
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Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself and/or others
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Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area
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Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned about
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If you need to talk to someone immediately and prefer to do so online, you can use the online CHAT service provided for free by the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
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Por ayuda en Espanol usted llama al número 1-888-628-9454. Cuando el centro contesta su llamada, usted estará hablando con una persona que le escuchará, le hará preguntas y hará todo lo que esté a su alcance para ayudarlo.
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If you are a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and are in need of mental health services, care and support (or are concerned about a loved one who is) you can visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ for more assistance.
Healthy Relationships
If you think you are in an unhealthy relationship, it is important to get help. If you are being hurt physically and/or emotionally by a partner or someone else, it is not your fault. You deserve to be safe and healthy. You can’t control your partner’s abusive behavior but you can take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm. You may feel alone and hopeless or not know where to start, but there is help you can reach out to right here in Connecticut. Talk with someone at your doctor’s office or clinic. Talk to your home visitor or care coordinator. Reach out to your local town's health and human services department. They can help you find services and support. They can help you make a plan. Violence at home or in a relationship tends to get worse over time, so it is important to get help as soon as possible.
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If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Don’t wait.
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Call this free number 888-774-2900 for help or to talk to someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is what you can expect when you call this number.
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Para hablar o recibir ayuda, llama al 844-831-9200.
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You can also get information from the National Domestic Violence Hotline or Futures Without Violence.
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Learn your rights and legal options here in Connecticut.
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If you suspect a friend or loved one may be in an unhealthy relationship, there are ways in which you can be of help.
