Welcome to the fourth edition of TriCom’s monthly newsletter! Every month, we’ll highlight a type of supplemental insurance or benefit that we provide for both our internal staff and all our consultants. To participate in National Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re putting the spotlight on our behavorial health through Teladoc.

What to Know about Behavioral Health through Teladoc

Mental health is a vital part of any person’s well-being, but it can also be among the most overlooked. Whether that’s because of stigma or a lack of access to proper medication, maybe you’ve never given your mental health too much thought. However, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Fortunately, through Teladoc, you can speak with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or licensed therapist over video. They can provide support for things like:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD

• Stress

• Relationship issues

• Medication management

• Mood swings

Here’s how it works in five simple steps:

1. Register your Teladoc Health account online or through the app, or log in to your existing account.

2. Request a visit and receive a quick response.

3. Answer questions about your medical history and reasons for requesting a visit.

4. Choose your therapist or other licensed mental health professional.

5. Request a time for an appointment.

Your appointment will be confirmed within 72 hours of your request, and you can shcedule an appointment for any day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time.

Be sure to schedule the appointment online or through the Teladoc Health app. Keep in mind that call center representatives cannot schedule your appointment, but they can assist you with any questions you have. Also, if you miss your appointment and don’t give more than 24 hours’ notice, then you may be subject to a $50 fee.

National Mental Health Awareness Month

Anyone can experience mental health problems. Roughly one in six young people have had a major depressive episode, and one in 20 U.S. citizens have been diagnosed with a mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.

Additionally, suicide is a leading cause of death, and rates increased by about 36% between 2000 and 2022, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NOTE: If you are contemplating suicide or experiencing suicidial ideation, call 988 now.

Statistics like these illustrate why talking about and normalizing mental health is vastly important. It impacts every part of our lives, so taking care of it is a priority.

Asking for help is just a part of the process. Visit www.Teladoc.com to request a video consultation at any time. You can also call 1-800-835-2362.

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Everyone’s mental health is different, so taking care of it may look different from person to person. Still, there are some general best practices you can abide by to prioritize your mental health:

• Exercise regularly: Physical exericse is also good for the mind. It releases endorphins and has been scientifically proven to improve your mood. Even something as simple as a 30-minute walk can work wonders.

• Drink lots of water and eat nutritious meals: Eating regular meals is a crucial part of any well-balanced diet. Staying hydrated is also important for your mental health, so note your levels of alcohol and caffeine consumption and how they impact your mood in the long term.

• Rest and relax: Make sure you are getting adequate sleep. Try avoiding blue light from screens before bed, as it can make falling asleep more difficult. You can also try relaxing hobbies, such as reading, listening to music, or meditating.

Remember that help is always available. If you have any questions about how behavioral health works through Teladoc, then contact your HR representative or call 1-800-TELADOC (1-800-835-2362) for more information.