COVID-19 Impact on Mental Health

The mental health of Americans has always been a cause for concern. The APWU Health Plan is working hard to raise awareness of the resources available to you to help fight mental disorders. Our partners Cigna and UnitedHealthcare have also been providing healthy solutions for our members. Since December 2019 and the emergence of the virus we all know too well – COVID-19 – cases of mental health disorders have risen. People with higher stressors in their lives, such as stressful work conditions, difficulties in their marriage or a stressful home life are the hardest hit.

Could you have a mental disorder?

There are some Americans who don’t even know they could have a mental disorder. They might think the symptoms they experience are normal, aren’t a big deal, or that they might just go away.

Anxiety and depression are among the most common types of mental disorders. Symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of panic or fear, an increase in heart rate, and muscular tension. Depression is characterized by feelings of low mood, a lack of motivation and enjoyment, and a decrease in energy levels. The symptoms of both disorders can be mild, or they can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing by affecting sleep, concentration, appetite, social interaction and/or the ability to carry out daily activities.

The stigma of mental disorders

According to the American Psychiatric Association, despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, more than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently.

Others judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognizing what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.

If you believe you or a loved one might have a mental disorder, please speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reduce symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.

How can the APWU help?

Both the High Option and the Consumer Driven Option offer the opportunity to talk to a board- certified mental health professional from the comfort of your home or office. Virtual Visits let you video chat with a mental health professional 24/7 from your mobile device, tablet or computer.

With the Consumer Driven Option you have access to AbleTo which provides virtual support for the depression, anxiety and stress that can arise from COVID-19.