April 2022 – Page 2 – Costco Benefits

Finding help in a mental health crisis

We all experience ups and downs. But when “nerves” become crippling anxiety, and “the blues” give way to deep depression and suicidal thoughts, it may be time to seek serious professional help. If you or a family member were to have a mental health crisis, would you know what to do, who to call, how to help?

Now’s the time to explore your Costco benefits, including the no-cost mental health resources they offer — before you need them. That way, you can get prompt, high-quality care if you or a family member ever needs it.

Start with Resources For Living^®

Resources For Living (RFL^®) is your first stop when you need mental health care or help with the stress of everyday life. It offers you and each member of your household (including children up to age 26 living away from home) support services such as:

Up to six no-cost counseling sessions per issue, per year with a licensed therapist or a psychologist — face-to-face or by phone, video or on-demand chat

Access to interactive self-care programs

Help finding in-network providers who are accepting new patients

Referrals to community resources

With RFL, you and members of your household also have free 24/7 access to additional mental health resources, including:

Talkspace confidential, on-demand chat therapy with a licensed therapist, for adolescents ages 13+ and adults

If you’re enrolled in a Costco medical plan, mental health benefits are covered through your plan, including counseling and substance abuse disorder treatment. If you want to continue counseling after your six free sessions, your RFL Care Partner can help you find in-network providers who meet your needs.

Chat with a Care Partner 24/7

With RFL, a team of Care Partners will be your single point of contact for every step of your mental health journey. Care Partners will help you:

Understand your benefits

Guide you through your options

Create a mental health care plan

Find in-network providers who are accepting new patients

Discover resources in the community

They’ll even schedule your first appointment for you.

You can connect with a Care Partner by calling 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711). You can also start a Live Chat by visiting RFL.com/Costco.

LEARN THE BASICS

MAY 2022

Busting mental health myths

Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and a fact? Read on to learn the truth about the most common misconceptions about mental health.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

person reading a way-finding sign that points in directions to "myth" and "fact"

Myth: Mental health issues don’t affect me or anyone I know.

Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common and affect people from all walks of life. In 2020, about:

One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older every year.*
One in six young people experienced a major depressive episode
One in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression

Myth: Children don’t experience mental health problems.

Fact: Children of all ages, including teens, tweens and even very young children, may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These problems can arise from a variety of causes and are often diagnosable.

Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
Family history of mental health problems

Myth: Once you have mental health problems, you’ll always have them.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better, and many recover completely. There are more treatments, services and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time.

Fact: According to the American Psychology Association, hundreds of studies have found that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives**. Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy or both. Many individuals can work with support during the healing and recovery process.

Myth: I can’t do anything for a person with a mental health problem.

Fact: In 2020, only 20% of adults received any mental health treatment in the previous year, which included 10% who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

Reaching out and letting them know you’re available to help
Helping them access mental health services
Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn’t true
Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as “crazy”; instead use respectful language

*Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Understanding anxiety & depression.
**American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.

Source: MentalHealth.gov. Mental health myths and facts.

If you or a member of your household is struggling with a mental health condition, the following resources can help. These resources are confidential and available to you at no extra cost.

EXPLORE MORE

Finding help in a mental health crisis

Start with Resources For Living®

Chat with a Care Partner 24/7