Mental Health

Mental Health is a vital part of your overall health and includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Such conditions can be occasional or long lasting and can impact your ability to function each day. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50% of the population will be diagnosed with a mental health illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.

You should talk to your doctor or other health care provider if you are experiencing any of the following feelings or behaviors:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Sad, empty, or hopeless feelings
• Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, or self-loathing)
• Pulling away from people or loved ones
• Little interest in things you used to enjoy
• Lack of energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Increased use of smoking, alcohol, or other drugs

Keeping up with your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Positive mental health allows you to:

• Realize your full potential
• Cope with stresses of life
• Be productive
• Make meaningful contributions to the community
• Connect with others

Talk to your doctor or other health care provider if you have questions or concerns about your mental health. To find out more about your mental health benefits call KelseyCare Advantage Member Services at 713-442-2273 or visit our website at KelseyCareAdvantage.com.