logo

Mental Health and Wellness

Resources for Wellness
From Kaiser - available to all. Link here

Productivity

Looking for ways to make working from home a little easier? Check out this article from TIME magazine while staying mentally healthy: 
https://time.com/5801725/work-from-home-remote-tips/

Need an app to help you stay focused on your tasks? Try the Forest app! You "plant" a tree and it keeps growing as long as you don't exit from the app. It keeps you from distractions from your phone and before you know it, you have a full-grown tree -- or a forest! -- by the end of your task. 

A Library employee shared this resource, and said they have used it and liked it, saying " it has helped me refrain from picking up my phone randomly, and if I do, it shows a reminder to get back to what I'm doing." https://www.forestapp.cc/

Meditation
In such unprecedented times with changing circumstances daily, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose internal peace. Meditation is a practice anyone can participate in from home using techniques to focus the mind and teach oneself awareness and attention to achieve mental and emotional calmness and clarity. If you are new to meditation, try using a meditation app that you can download on your smartphone. 

  • Try the Meditation App: Insight Timer Click here.
  • Children can do it too! For meditation for children try Headspace. Click here
  • See Kaiser's recommended self-care apps here.
  • Calm - free to Kaiser members, or try the 'free to everyone' version (HR have tried this too and love it!) link here

Stress Management & Coping 

           The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers the following resources:

  • COVID-19 Behavioral Health Resources lists a collection of resources created by federal agencies and their partners to help healthcare providers, caregivers, and the general population prepare for and manage the negative behavioral effects that can accompany a public health emergency.
  • Mental Health and Coping links to resources and advice to help individuals cope and to support their mental and behavioral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these resources are available in multiple languages.
  • The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) COVID-19 resources page links to resources to help individuals, providers, communities, and states across the country deal with mental health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 Partner Toolkit links to CMS and HHS materials on COVID-19.
  • The National Council for Behavioral Health’s Resources for COVID-19 provides links to resources for managing mental health during COVID-19 as well as tax, loan, and leave information for employers and employees.
  • The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors COVID-19 Resource Links page provides federal government COVID-19 compliance resource links, state health department links, and more.
Information from the Burlingame Library

The library has been doing programming on mental health, it is the theme of Burlingame Reads. There is a video recording from one of the sessions on Mental health during COVID19, as well as one on mental health stigma. They’re very informative.  

https://www.burlingame.org/library/explore/burlingamereads.php

First Responder Stress Management Resource 
here

Need Help? 
Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline or call  1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

For more information on taking care of your emotional health click here to access CDC recommendations. 
Additional Resources from  CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 


COVID-19 Resources Available for CalPERS Blue Shield Members

  • COVID-19 Screening and Testing: We are waiving all the costs for screening and doctor-recommended testing for COVID-19.
  • Virtual Care: Through Teladoc, members can speak with a board-certified physician for $0 through the end of May where they can consult about their symptoms over the phone or video chat anytime and anywhere in the United States. Please note: Trio members always have access to this service for $0. Any medications prescribed during the visit will be sent to the member’s nearest pharmacy. Members can access this benefit through the Blue Shield mobile app or (800)835-2362.
  • NurseHelp 24/7: Get advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from a registered nurse on many health-related questions. Services are available online through the Blue Shield member portal, or our toll-free telephone number (877)304-0504.
  • Wellness: Wellvolution is a perfect and free resource for our Blue Shield members to access during these trying times. Members can access Wellvolution and digital apps that will provide them therapeutic tools and resources to help manage stress, sleep better, exercise, and eat healthier.