CareSource Provides Mental Health Support during Coronavirus Pandemic

(March 23, 2020 – Dayton, Ohio) – CareSource, a leading multi-state managed care plan, has responded quickly to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is providing numerous supports for its members and communities during this time.

As government and health leaders take actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, it can impact people’s day-to-day routines. These necessary changes can be stressful and frustrating to understand. CareSource offers both its member and employees various options to support the overall well-being, with a focus on mental health.

“These are stressful times. For those with behavioral health concerns, the stress is often amplified. While there are many distractions, it is critical that people continue their treatment plans and work with their health care providers,” said Jonas Thom, Vice President, Behavioral Health, CareSource. “As individuals, it is also important that people take care of themselves, use your support systems, and check in on others who are vulnerable and may need support. And of course as parents, take time to talk to your children calmly and confidently with facts and give them a sense of structure and reassure them they are safe.”

What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

CareSource has a team of experts closely monitoring COVID-19 and its impact both locally and around the world. Our top priority is the health and well-being of members and ensuring they have access to health care.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase nationally and globally, our top priority is to maintain the health and safety of the communities where we live, work and serve. CareSource is consistently communicating with employees, partners and members to ensure they have the support they need to stay healthy during this evolving health matter.

It is important to know that 80 percent of COVID-19 cases are mild and without symptoms. Like the seasonal flu, COVID-19 is more severe in patients with long-term, underlying health conditions and the elderly.

CareSource recommends following the guidelines issued by local health authorities, the CDC and the World Health Organization.

Tips to Support Mental Well-being

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. The following are some simple tips to help reduce stress in yourself and others:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html

More Resources for Support

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call

• 911
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• Ohio’s Text Crisis Line: Text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor within five minutes.