Mental Health Awareness
All of us had to endure a tough stretch of time like never before during these past 17 months. It forced us to be further vigilant of health risks for ourselves and families. Some of us lost loved ones and friends. We also brought our work duties into our home environment and challenged ourselves to continue to perform at a pre-pandemic level. The stress that all of us faced was real and it may have taken a toll on us.
Just as we suffer from physical ailments and go to our doctor, ER or urgent care facilities, it is just as important that we get the help that is available when we are struggling with the real effects of behavioral conditions. None of us are exempt from problems in life. The statistics show that almost one billion people have a mental-health or substance-use disorder, collectively referred to as behavioral-health conditions. ABC-Amega is committed to the health of our employees by offering whatever support we can.
In behavioral health, “stigma” is defined as a level of shame, prejudice, or discrimination toward people with mental-health or substance-use conditions. Because of stigma, such conditions are often viewed and treated differently from other chronic conditions, despite being largely rooted in genetics and biology. These conditions are treatable diseases like other medical conditions.
Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize and accept negative stereotypes. It turns a “whole” person into someone who feels “broken.”
Public/social stigma is the negative attitude of society toward behavioral-health conditions and it creates an environment in which those with such conditions are discredited, feared, and isolated.
Structural stigma refers to system-level discrimination—such as cultural norms, institutional practices, and healthcare policies that constrains resources and opportunities and therefore impairs well-being.
The impact of stigma can be profound. At a time when people are at their most vulnerable and most in need of help, stigma prevents them from reaching out.
To encourage all employees to reach out if you need help, below are resources and pieces of information that may be helpful to you.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Seminars
Navigate to this link to select a seminar you are interested in. When prompted, enter EAP as the password. Seminar topics vary, but some of the mental health seminars are listed below.
Addressing Anxiety in an Uncertain World
The Mental Strength Workout
Managing Workplace Stressors
Emotional Wellness, Building Better Mental Health
And more
EAP also offers, at no cost to you, 4 visits per year, 30 minutes telephonically or face to face with a lawyer per year, 60 minutes telephonically with a financial educator per year, and referrals for mental health and substance abuse counseling.
If you are a participant in our health insurance, the following is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
If you are enrolled in the POS 150D plan, outpatient mental health visits are covered in full.
If you are enrolled in the POS 8100 plan, outpatient mental health visits are subject to deductible
Doctor on Demand – Psychology and Psychiatry sessions are now available in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Doctor on Demand telemedicine platform! If you are on the 150D plan, the visits are subject to the normal co-pays. If you are on the POS 8100, the visits are subject to the deductible and the fee schedule is below.
| Fee Schedule | As of 1/1/21 |
| Psychology 25 min | $79 |
| Psychology 50 min | $119 |
| Psychiatry 15 min | $99 |
| Psychiatry 45 min | $229 |
Behavioral Health Information – https://www.bcbswny.com/content/wny/health-wellness/topics/behavioral-health.html#selfcareSelf Care Resources – https://www.bcbswny.com/content/wny/health-wellness/topics/self-care/programs-resources.html
Case Management Program – to get connected with a highly trained case manager to navigate any condition listed. Call 1-877-878-8785 and select option 2 or visit https://www.bcbswny.com/content/wny/health-wellness/how-to-enroll.html
Paylocity Courses
Paylocity has some courses on Health and Wellness that include Mental Well-Being, Mindfulness & Managing Stress, and Resiliency. To take these, login to your normal account, navigate to “Learning”, select “Training Catalog”, and select the “Health and Wellness” category.
PTO
Keep in mind you can use your PTO for any reason! If you’ve had a busy couple of weeks and need a break, request a day off!
As always, you can reach out to your manager or Human Resources for any help you may need.