Everyone faces challenges in their life that can impact their mental health. Like all parts of our physical health, our emotional and intellectual spheres make up our mental health and also require regular check-ups. This has been a difficult and uncertain year, balancing work demands and self-care has been challenging for many. This pandemic has exceled rates of excessive stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Now more than ever is the time to reduce mental health stigma, which is often what gets in the way of individuals seeking help. It is critical for us to normalize mental health to begin the healing process from long-lasting impacts of the pandemic. Below are a few mental wellbeing resources.

• Recharge, Refresh and Improve Your Mood with myStrength app by Anthem - Its time you felt your best again, check out this free online and mobile program designed to support your emotional health and wellbeing with tools to help with: addiction, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, sleep and stress. Visit anthem.com/mystrengthME to get started today. Free for all MaineHealth Care Team Members and their family. 
• Counseling and Support - Get help with six free confidential counseling sessions from the HealthAdvocate Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Free services are available to all MaineHealth employees and family members.
  • Contact HealthAdvocate
    Phone: 866-799-2485
    Email: answers@healthadvocate.com
    Web: https://members.healthadvocate.com/ (Enter: “MaineHealth”)
• Emotional Wellbeing Tools - Learn the basics of emotional intelligence, mindfulness and yoga with Whil and Journey programs available through Virgin Pulse.
• WOW! Self-Care and Mindfulness Webinars and Videos - Watch pre-recorded webinars or videos on topics related to stress and emotional health.
• Refresh from Stress - Engage in simple steps to enhance your emotional health and relieve stress with powerful stress reduction resources found here.
• Weekly Free Drop In Meditation - Don’t forget about the awesome free WOW! drop in guided mid-week Mindfulness session, every Wednesday at Noon. All are welcome, no need to register, no prior experience necessary. Learn more about drop-in meditation.
• Read how exercise and moving your body can protect your mental health - The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Article

Reach Out for Help

If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed with sadness, depression or anxiety, or if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others call 911. Other resources at your fingertips include:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: free, 24/7 support by calling 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255
• Text Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor
• HealthAdvocate Employee Assistance Program - 866-799-2485 or visit members.healthadvocate.com (Enter: “MaineHealth”)
• 24/7 Statewide Crisis Line 888-568-1112
• 24/7 Peer Support Warm line 866-771-9276
• 24/7 Suicide Hotline 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
• Maine Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 866-83-4HELP (866-843-4357)
• Teen Text Support Line 207-515-8398 (TEXT)
• 211 and 211maine.org
• Free, confidential Frontline Warmline for health care workers and first responders: support 8am-8pm 7 days a week call 207-221-8196.